Cole Caufield was stunted in momentum that would have allowed him to at least become the first 40-goal scorer for the Canadiens since Vincent Damphouse. Knowing that everything was taken care of for his team, the sniper decided to sit out the rest of the season and have major surgery on his right shoulder.

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Can we hope he performs the same next season? Alex Burrows thinks so.

“I had an injury during my career that was very similar to his. I also had to have an operation, said the Canadian’s assistant coach. I had to undergo an almost six-month rehabilitation period. But it came back 100% and I would even say it’s my strongest shoulder.

“I know Cole followed the doctor’s protocol to the letter. He’s been training hard. I know he will get back in shape and hope to have a great season with us,” Burrows continued.

As for fears that might linger after that surgery, which saw him miss the final 36 games of the season, Burrows doesn’t see the semblance of a problem.

“I don’t think so. You strengthen the muscles around the affected ligaments so much that you have nothing to worry about. Furthermore, Cole’s role is not to play physically.

Patience with Slafkovsky

Juraj Slafkovsky is another of the organization’s youngsters to return from injury. The season of the first-ever draft pick of 2022 ended on January 15 with a left knee injury. He has only seen action in 39 games.

Due to his top status, expectations of the Slovak are very high among the team’s fans. Many assume he will hatch in his second season in the NHL.

“You have to keep in mind that he is 18 years old [maintenant 19 ans]. He could play at junior level and seems to be extremely dominant, Burrows pointed out. We ask him to play against the best players in the world, in the best league in the world.

With the Canadian it is not important to put the reins on the horse from behind or to put pressure on the young man.

“We expect him to continue on his path of progress. We know he’s a good little guy, that he wants to do well,” said Martin St-Louis’ assistant.

“It’s going to be a long time before he can achieve some fans’ goals,” he continued. He’s putting enough pressure on himself as it is, he’s just being asked to play and keep improving.

In 39 games, he scored four goals and added six assists.

Monahan, the leader

If Slafkovsky can stay healthy like Caufield, he will be of great service to the Habs. As did Sean Monahan, with whom Kent Hughes agreed to another season ($1.985 million), on a different scale.

“I’m really happy to see him again. He’s quite a leader. In the 25 games he’s played with us, we’ve seen that he fits perfectly into our attacking group. He’s an easy-to-control player who always gives his best regardless of his role or playing time.