Canadiens Jeff Gorton Gives Update On Cole Caufield Extension

Montreal Canadiens EVP Jeff Gorton gave an update on where things stood with Cole Caufield extension talks and whether fans should worry.

On The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro, Executive Vice President Jeff Gorton spoke about the importance of signing Cole Caufield.

When asked by Marinaro whether the process to sign him to a long-term had begun, Gorton explained that there has been dialogue with Caufield’s agent, Pat Brisson.

“We’ve had conversations with Cole’s agent about when is the right time and when it’s not going to be a distraction,” said Gorton on Caufield’s future. “He understands where we are. We want Cole to be here a long time and Cole wants the same thing.

When it comes to signing long-term contracts, timing is everything in the NHL. With Caufield scoring at such an elite pace to start the season, the Montreal Canadiens would likely want to get a contract tabled before their young star truly takes off.

Gorton confirmed that they’re starting the formal process of negotiating an extension now, and doesn’t seem worried or phased about the possibility of it happening; instead viewing it as an eventuality that could be announced in the next little while.

“I have no worries with Cole being a Montreal Canadiens for a while,” said Gorton on where he thinks things are going. “We have a great relationship with his agent. Cole’s a huge part of this team and he wants to be here. That time will come; whether it’s a week, a month or two months.  We’re just getting to that now, but I would say to your listeners: don’t worry about it, Cole’s going to be here.”

It will be of great interest to see whether Caufield’s extension resembles that of Nick Suzuki‘s ($7.875M for 8 years), or if his breakout performances under head coach Martin St-Louis will push him upwards of $8M per season.

That being said, the Canadiens believe Caufield will be around for a long while and aren’t fazed at all by the upcoming negotiations, and neither should you.

To listen to the rest of the very informative episode with Jeff Gorton and Tony Marinaro, see the video below: