Habs prospect Cole Caufield staying put next season

Cole Caufield, the Montreal Canadiens first-round pick (15th overall) in the last entry draft, has decided not to make the jump to professional hockey next season. A report by the Wisconsin State Journal says Caufield has already informed University of Wisconsin's head coach Tony Granato of his decision to return to the team in 2020-21.

Habs GM Marc Bergevin stated back in February that he would not stop Caufield from signing an entry-level contract with the Canadiens for next season is that's what he really wanted to do, but made it clear he felt the 19-year-old was not ready to make the jump to pro hockey. Once an ELC is signed, the player must suit up in either the NHL, AHL or ECHL.

Caulfield was a point-per-game play with UW this season, putting up 36 (19 goals, 17 assists) in 36 games. He became the first Badgers player to win an outright league scoring title, recording 24 points in 24 Big Ten Conference games. His 19 goals overall tied for the most nationally among freshmen in the U.S. college system.

The news is welcome for the University of Wisconsin. The team had recently lost two of its best players to ELCs that kick in next season. Center Alex Turcotte signed with the L.A. Kings, while defenseman K'Andre Miller has inked his deal with the New York Rangers.

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