MONTREAL – Forward Cole Caufield is close to claiming a coveted piece of hardware.
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On Thursday, the 20-year-old Canadiens prospect was named one of three Hobey Baker Hat Trick finalists for the 2021 award, which is presented annually to college hockey’s top player.
Also in the running for the honor are North Dakota sophomore forward Shane Pinto and Minnesota State-Mankato junior goaltender Dryden McKay.
Caufield enjoyed an outstanding sophomore season with the Wisconsin Badgers before signing his entry-level contract with Montreal last weekend. He will join the AHL’s Laval Rocket following his mandatory quarantine.
The Stevens Point, WI native, who was named the Big Ten Player of the Year, led the nation in scoring with 52 points (30 goals, 22 assists) in 31 games.
His 11 power play goals and 24 power play points were tops in the country as well, as were his 1.68 points per game.
The 15th overall selection in 2019 also garnered College Hockey News’ Player of the Year accolades on Thursday, too.
According to the publication, Caufield’s 0.97 goals per game average was “the highest of anyone since Clarkson’s Todd White had 1.03 GPG in the 1996-97 season.”
Caufield is the first Badger to be named as part of the Hobey Hat Trick since former Canadiens forward Blake Geoffrion won the award in 2010.
The Hobey Baker Award winner will be announced on Friday, April 9 at 6:00 pm ET.