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USA Hockey needs to learn from Canada and put Caufield in The 4N. JTRumors. |
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I’m being told to keep a good eye on JT Miller today. “Things are in the works” as they say. While the Rangers seem like they are definitely keyed in on Miller, I am told that they’re not the only team. The Sabres have also had talks with Vancouver…. Very recently. Howevegoing told put it about 80% to the Rangers.
I’m going to get on a soapbox for a secoTeamCole Caulfield.
Have we learned nothing from Team Canada at the Juniors? Caulfield scored his 20tunbelievable playing with less skill around him than most for Montreal. Can’t wait to see him in the Four Natrions…oh wait, he is not on the roster for Team USA. Seriously? The hardest thing to do in hockey score goals.
The last time we saw best on best was several years ago at the World Cup in Toronto.
Twice in my life, watching hockey live, I’ve been blown away by a team and their ability to do things quickly. To play faster than I’ve ever seen. The first time I was in high school watching Wayne Gretzky and the Edmonton Oilers do their magic . The second time was watching the North American under 23 team in Toronto during the World Cup. Had that team not had injuries at goaltender they would’ve run away with the tournament. Why? The reason was simple. The younger players are learning to play at a faster speed than the older playoungin this league were playing at when they were kids.
In 2025, those players U23 players are now in their prime. And the players younger than them have been playing at that speed their entire hockey lives. Essentially, the only players playing at the former speed are in their late 20s or 30s. And we are seeing more and more 20-year-olds making impacts every day.
Playing fast is the new norm. It started with that U23 team, and continued with the Vegas, Golden Knights expansion team who changed the NHL showing, howing us how fast wins. Not individual speed but playing fast. When I watched team Canada in this tournament, I saw a bunch of individual incredibly talented players trying to make plays themselves and continually running into walls. When you watch Sweden or USA in this tournament, you see fast quick passes.
Cole Caufield plays the game at a Lightning pace. Whenever I think of that you U23 Team North America, the memory in my head is Johnny Gaudreau being set up on a breakaway and flying down and scoring goals. Such a tragedy, of course, but the guy was just incredible and played at a tournament defining speed. The player most like him is unquestionably Caulfield.
There will be injuries and lineup changes before the four nations begins. Auston Matthew is not looking like likely. I have a strong faith that Caulfield will be added to this line lineup. Not just added, but become a major impact in this tournament.. but it hasn’t happened yet.
What say you?
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