Cole Caufield Eyes Olympic Spot: “I’m Focused on Scoring Goals and Helping the Team Win”
Cole Caufield is off to another scorching start to the 2025 season with the Montreal Canadiens. After just 9 games, he is tied for the league lead in goals with 7. As the season progresses, the question on everyone’s mind is: Does Caufield’s fast start make him a legitimate candidate for Team USA’s Olympic roster in February?
In Thursday's episode of The Sick Podcast, hosts Tony Marinaro and Pierre McGuire discussed whether Caufield is doing enough to earn a spot. McGuire was unequivocal, saying that if Caufield hasn’t proved himself worthy of a spot on the Olympic team yet, with his goal-scoring ability and hunger for the puck, he’s not sure what it will take.
The Case for Caufield’s Olympic Bid
Entering the season, Caufield was on the outside looking in, with his chances of making Team USA pegged at under 50%. However, his recent offensive surge has placed him squarely back into the conversation. With his knack for scoring in clutch moments, especially in 3-on-3 overtime, Caufield has demonstrated that he’s capable of stepping up when it matters most. He has also shown that he is one of the best pure goal-scorers in the game, with a versatile shooting ability that makes him a fit in various power-play roles.
Another area of growth for Caufield is his playmaking ability. While his primary skill remains scoring, the young forward has shown he can set up his teammates for prime scoring chances. His ability to be a dual threat has made him an even more dangerous player in the offensive zone. However, while his assist totals are improving, they might not be enough to vault him higher on Team USA's radar for an Olympic spot.
Additionally, Caufield’s two-way play has seen improvement. Once considered a liability in his own zone, he is now a more responsible player, using his good speed to intercept passes and contribute defensively. This newfound defensive maturity could give him an edge when competing for a spot on the Olympic roster.
The Challenges of Caufield’s Olympic Dreams
Despite Caufield’s improvements, there are still significant obstacles in his path to making Team USA. The most obvious is his size. At just 5'7", Caufield is smaller than many of the forwards he’s competing against for a spot. Players like Chris Kreider, Brock Nelson, and Matt Boldy are all bigger and more physical, making it difficult for Caufield to secure a role in the bottom six of Team USA’s lineup, even if he possesses more skill than most of those players.
Another challenge is that Caufield is limited to playing as a winger, while many centers are often shifted to the wing in international play to stack up lines. With top players like Brady Tkachuk and Kyle Connor likely securing their spots, Caufield’s potential role is further restricted. While he may still have a shot at being a depth player or a 13th forward, it will be a tough road ahead.
Despite these challenges, there is a possible path for Caufield to make Team USA. He could potentially fill a third-line role if Team USA decides to go with a top nine and a fourth line format. Alternatively, he could serve as a 13th forward who comes in for offensive situations like power plays.
Conclusion
Caufield’s start to the 2025 season has been electric, and he is doing everything in his power to earn a spot on Team USA. While the obstacles are significant, including his size and positional limitations, his goal-scoring prowess and improved all-around play make him a viable candidate for a depth role. If his hot start continues over the next month, there’s a chance that Caufield could find himself as a 13th forward, dressing for offensive situations, or even securing a place in the bottom six.
Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. (knee) questionable for Dolphins
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is questionable with a bruised left knee for Sunday's home game against the Miami Dolphins.
Penix was a limited practice participant for the third straight day on Friday. He indicated that he expects to play against Miami.
"Yes," Penix said. "That's the plan."
Backup quarterback Kirk Cousins is prepared in case Penix can't play. Falcons coach Raheem Morris said that Cousins has "taken a lot of reps this week."
Having Cousins, 37, on the team is a bonus for the Falcons. Still, Morris is expecting Penix to be on the field Sunday.
"(Cousins has) played a lot of football in this league, it gives you a lot of comfort knowing that you have Kirk, a lot of confidence knowing that you have Kirk," Morris said. "Obviously, it will be all based on Mike's injury status and Mike's injury status alone."
Penix was hurt during Atlanta's 20-10 road loss last Sunday night against the San Francisco 49ers. He played the entire game and completed 21 of 38 passes for 241 yards and one touchdown.
Penix, 25, has started all six games this season and completed 61% of his passes for 1,409 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions. He has also rushed for one TD.
Cousins has started 159 career games and thrown for 43,008 yards and 288 touchdowns but lost the starting job to Penix late last season. Cousins was intercepted 16 times last season, a career worst and it tied for most in the NFL with Tampa Bay's Baker Mayfield. He has thrown 126 career picks.
Cousins completed 5 of 7 passes for 29 yards in his lone appearance of this season, a 30-0 loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 3.
Atlanta ruled out for four players for the Miami game - offensive lineman Storm Norton (foot), edge rusher Jalon Walker (groin), inside linebacker Divine Deablo (forearm) and cornerback Billy Bowman Jr. (hamstring).
Penix was one of four Falcons listed as questionable. The others are safety Jordan Fuller (knee), defensive lineman Zach Harrison (knee) and running back Tyler Allgeier (hip/knee).
