Caufield makes playoff debut in Game 3

Cole Caufield got his first taste of the postseason Monday night.

Following his team's morning skate, the Montreal Canadiens phenom confirmed he'd play in Game 3 against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

"I was put in here to help the team win and do the things that I can to increase our chances," Caufield said. "I'm obviously excited. It's going to be a pretty special night."

The 20-year-old skated on a line with Joel Armia and Nick Suzuki to begin Monday's contest. Caufield is playing in place of veteran Eric Staal, who the Canadiens acquired in a trade with the Buffalo Sabres in late March.

Caufield draws in for Eric Staal, who Ducharme said is not 100 percent. #Canadiens #Leafs

- Mike Zeisberger (@Zeisberger) May 24, 2021

Caufield sat out Games 1 and 2 of the first-round matchup as a healthy scratch. Toronto defeated Montreal 5-1 in the latter contest to even the series Saturday.

The American forward produced four goals and an assist over 10 regular-season games down the stretch with the Canadiens this season. In early April, he won the Hobey Baker Award as the top NCAA men's hockey player after leading the nation with 30 goals in 31 contests for the University of Wisconsin.

The Canadiens signed Caufield to an entry-level contract following the conclusion of his sophomore college campaign this spring. Montreal then assigned him to its AHL affiliate, the Laval Rocket. He notched three goals and an assist in two games with the farm club before the Canadiens summoned him to the NHL.

Montreal drafted Caufield 15th overall in 2019.

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