One of the hottest topics for the Canadiens right now is the upcoming contract for forward Cole Caufield.

The American has scored 26 goals in 46 games this season, and if it weren't for his injury, he would have undoubtedly reached the 40-goal mark.

That being said, number 22 is waiting to sign a new deal, and Canadiens owner Geoff Molson even mentioned that a signing could happen at any time.

However, as Michel Laprise from the site Balle Courbe suggests, Caufield and his agent should at least wait for the results of next Monday's lottery before concluding a deal with the Canadiens, as it could have certain implications.

Because if the Canadiens were to win the lottery for the next draft, it is clear that Kent Hughes would select Connor Bedard with the first overall pick.

But let's suppose that Cole Caufield accepts a long-term contract worth $7.5 million per season, and Bedard is drafted by the Canadiens, we would probably have one of the best duos in the entire NHL.

And if after two seasons, Caufield is a regular 40, or even 50-goal scorer per season, with Bedard's help, would he represent a bargain at $7.5 million per year?

Yes, definitely, because as early as next year, David Pastrnak will earn an average of $11.25 million per season.

At that point, Caufield would represent a luxury bargain, and in the case of the Canadiens' forward, it is much better to wait for the lottery results.

Alright, I must admit that all this is very hypothetical, of course, as Caufield could just as well become a 50-goal scorer without having Connor Bedard as his centerman.

Even if we are far from this scenario, it is still interesting to see that all hypotheses are possible, but if the Canadiens do not win the lottery, negotiations between the Caufield camp and the CH will resume their normal course.

To read the complete article from the site Balle Courbe, click on this link.