Cole Caufield has Jesperi Kotkaniemi syndrome right now!
Cole Caufield is simply unrecognizable since the beginning of the 2021-2022 season. The puck does not follow his stick and his timing is deficient. He is literally lacking confidence.
Number 22 was destined for great things this year and expectations were high. Maybe they were too high?
Caufield, 20, is currently suffering from Jesperi Kotkaniemi syndrome according to CH reporter Bryan Wilde.
In his opinion, no player should be playing in the NHL full-time until he has completely dominated the AHL. The young maverick played two games in Laval last year, where he had four points, including three goals. He had helped the Habs late in the season as well as in the playoffs to propel the club to the Stanley Cup Final. However, Caufield's 2020-2021 season was totally spectacular and unusual. His confidence was overflowing because of the many honors he won.
Jesperi Kotkaniemi was also bursting with energy when he got here. He was so energetic that he had 34 points in his first year, which raised the bar of expectations for the following season. He didn't respond in the right way, he even played with the Laval Rocket, where he honed his game.
So, according to Wilde, Caufield should go play with the Laval Rocket to develop his game and get his confidence back. The Habs believe in him and must give him the tools to succeed. Maybe a detour to Laval could be really beneficial for his development, who knows? To be continued.
