Montreal Canadiens fans enjoy the gem of Cole Caufield, but he wouldn’t have gotten to where he is today without his former head coach Tony Granato.

Unfortunately, the latter is currently battling non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Caufield wanted to give him his full support during this difficult ordeal.

• Also read: Hockey: Tony Granato is suffering from cancer

• Also read: CH striker: in the NHL cellar for goals scored

• Also read: Is the CH ahead of schedule?

“I learned that after the game [face aux Predators de Nashville dimanche]he stated, according to comments submitted Wednesday by Sportsnet Network journalist Eric Engels. I had no idea. “Obviously I sent him a message but he’s at a loss for words, but it’s just a shame to see a person like him have to deal with this.”

The CH number 22 also recalled that the two people have always been very close, even if it has now been more than two years since he was managed by Granato.

“He sends me a message as soon as I score a goal or as soon as something good happens,” Caufield continued. We talk a lot and most of the time it’s not about hockey. It’s good to have a person like that by your side. He’s someone I could count on and it was nice.”

Two big years

As a reminder, Caufield played under Granato for two seasons with the University of Wisconsin Badgers, from 2019 to 2021. The talented winger scored 49 goals and 39 assists for 88 points in 67 games.

The man who flashed the red light seven times for the Habs this season also remembered how Granato made him grow, especially as a person.

“The two years I spent with him were more about life; Hockey wasn’t second, but probably 1B. We’ve had so many conversations about being happy, loving what we do and coming into the arena with a good attitude.

“I think the class was more about building a team, and it took me two years to understand that he was a teacher for me, a mental coach.”