Cole Caufield gave Martin St-Louis another reason to smile, but his latest comments might also have caught Dylan Larkin's attention.
The Montreal Canadiens forward delivered two goals, including the overtime winner, in a 4-3 victory over the Buffalo Sabres. But what he said afterward might carry a bigger message.
Speaking to Sportsnet after the game, Caufield couldn't hide his appreciation for playing in Montreal.
"There are no words that can describe how special this place is," Caufield said.
Those words sound particularly interesting considering the recent discussion surrounding Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin and his potential future in Montreal.
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Larkin experienced the Bell Centre atmosphere himself during a recent visit. His reaction was strikingly similar, describing an environment unlike anything he had imagined.
Dylan Larkin on hearing "We want Larkin" chants at Bell Centre: "I never would have imagined that in this building and in my career. They're passionate fans. It's one of the best atmospheres in hockey. They're knowledgeable and they love their team. That's how I read into it."
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Could Larkin and Caufield's American connection lead him to Montreal?
The connection between the two Americans adds another layer. Caufield and Larkin trained together last summer, giving them an established relationship away from the NHL spotlight.
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And Caufield is showing exactly what makes Montreal attractive. He played 18:03 against Buffalo, registered five shots and earned first-star honors after delivering when the Canadiens needed him.
With five goals through eight games, Caufield is already setting the tone offensively. His confidence reflects a player completely comfortable with the expectations surrounding the Canadiens.
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For Larkin, the situation is more complicated. Pierre LeBrun previously reported that Montreal wasn't among the ten teams on his list, an important obstacle in any potential roster discussion.
That doesn't mean Caufield's comments will change Larkin's position. There is no indication that the Canadiens have received any new signal from the Red Wings captain.
Still, hearing a familiar face speak so passionately about Montreal carries weight. Caufield isn't making a recruitment pitch, but he's offering a reminder of what playing at the Bell Centre feels like.
The Canadiens have a talented forward who clearly embraces the pressure of their market. Larkin has now experienced that atmosphere firsthand, and the connection between them is worth watching.
Whether Montreal ever becomes a realistic destination remains unanswered. But Caufield just gave his American teammate another reason to think about the possibility.
Should Dylan Larkin consider joining Cole Caufield and the Montreal Canadiens?
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