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Habs forward Caufield separated shoulder twice, popped it back in each time

Published January 27, 2023 at 2:33 PM
BY BRENNEN BEAUDIN
Just one week after the Canadiens announcement that Cole Caufield would be missing the rest of the 2022-23 season to undergo surgery on his right shoulder, the 22-year-old spoke to reporters regarding the injury.

Shoulder issues are nothing new to Caufield, but he revealed Friday that he actually separated his shoulder twice in the past month. On top of this, both times he opted to put it back into place, but he did eventually decide to complete further testing on the injury.



«This happened the first time before Christmas in Dallas, just an awkward fall — kind of put it back in myself a couple of seconds later and, you know, it wasn't too bad,» the 22-year-old said. «The second time was in Nashville, the same thing happened and that time was a little more painful."

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«After the second fall, it was pretty clear that we had to get some tests done and look at it because after the first one, I didn't really think too much of it.»

Caufield said the injury wouldn't have been serious enough to keep him out of the lineup if the Habs were in a playoff spot, but since they sit second to last in the Eastern Conference and 13 points out of a playoff spot, the team decided this was the best option.

«If we were in a playoff spot, no doubt in my mind I'd still be playing,» he said. «It really wasn't up to me to stop playing. But in [these] circumstances, I feel like this is the best decision long-term. It's hard to come to a conclusion that this is the best, but, like I said, long-term it will all work out."

«In the end, it could have been one more fall and it could have been even worse. ... In the long term, I didn't want to hurt it more and have to do even more, with the surgery, or have more effects long-term.»

Caufield also believes that he will be able to heal easier than the older guys in the league.

«I think everybody's different. I'm a younger guy, so, you know, hopefully my body can kind of heal a bit faster,» Caufield said. «But I think the timing of this, that's why I've been taken out, is to be ready for next season and be back at 100 per cent. It's for sure going to be a long, long process, but it's something that I'm going to really work hard at.»

The young winger had a great season putting up 36 points (26 goals, 10 assists) in 46 games, and the team is making sure that he doesn't rush to get back.

«I already miss it. They took my sticks away in the locker room,» he said Friday, with a laugh. «They actually did. And my skates. I'll for sure miss it. But again, I think it's what's best for me long-term. And, you know, I'll make up for those pucks not being shot.»

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