Cole Caufield: Canadiens Star Chasing 50 Goals & Richard Trophy

Montreal Canadiens forward Cole Caufield is on the cusp of history, needing just three goals in the remaining eight games of the regular season to become the first Canadiens player to reach 50 goals in a season since 1990. He is also in a tight race with Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche for the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s leading goal scorer.

As of April 2nd, 2026, Caufield has 47 goals after scoring 10 in his last 10 games. He has played in all but one of Montreal’s 74 games this season, missing a March 11th contest against the Ottawa Senators due to illness. MacKinnon currently leads the league with 50 goals.

Caufield’s Pursuit Mirrors Canadiens Legends

Caufield’s potential achievement would mark a significant milestone for the Canadiens, a franchise that hasn’t seen a 50-goal scorer in over three decades. The last Canadiens player to accomplish the feat was Stephane Richer in the 1989-90 season. The Rocket Richard Trophy has also eluded the Canadiens, making Caufield’s chase for the award all the more historic.

The Canadiens have had six players score 50 or more goals in a season a total of 12 times, with Richer being the most recent. Maurice “Rocket” Richard himself was the first player in NHL history to reach 50 goals, achieving the milestone in the 1944-45 season.

Recent Form and Upcoming Schedule

Caufield’s recent scoring surge has been instrumental in the Canadiens’ current five-game winning streak and their push for a playoff berth. He has demonstrated a remarkable ability to find the back of the net, scoring in nine of his last nine games.

The Canadiens’ next game is scheduled for Thursday, April 6th, against the New York Rangers. Following that, they have seven games remaining on their schedule to secure a playoff spot and allow Caufield to continue his pursuit of both the 50-goal mark and the Rocket Richard Trophy.

MacKinnon Sets the Pace

Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche currently holds a narrow lead in the race for the Rocket Richard Trophy with 50 goals. Caufield, with 47, will need to maintain his impressive scoring pace to surpass MacKinnon in the final stretch of the season.

Caufield’s joyful megawatt grin lights up the arena without any help.

Dave Stubbs, NHL.com

The Bell Centre has been buzzing with excitement as fans celebrate each of Caufield’s goals, recognizing the significance of his potential accomplishments. His performance has not only energized the team but also reignited the passion of Canadiens fans.

Caufield’s ability to score consistently, combined with the Canadiens’ recent success, has created a palpable sense of optimism in Montreal. The city is eagerly watching to see if he can etch his name into Canadiens history alongside the legendary Maurice Richard and other prolific goal scorers.

The pursuit of 50 goals and the Rocket Richard Trophy represents a remarkable achievement for Caufield, who has quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier goal scorers. His dedication, skill, and unwavering focus have propelled him to the forefront of the NHL’s offensive landscape.