Caufield Not Expected To Make Team USA According To LeBrun

Boisvert was a guest on Wednesday’s episode of Le Sick Podcast avec Tony Marinaro, where he shared his opinions on LeBrun’s report. What Boisvert had to say about the news is that he feels teams like the US or Canada shouldn’t need to worry so much about getting grinders for the 4th line, as it’s not like playing a Stanley Cup Finals series; it is a tournament where, for the most part, it will just be about showcasing skills and not much physicality. He also talked about how Team USA will be playing against a lot of much weaker teams and won’t need the experienced grinders. The guys he is talking about are guys like Brock Nelson and Chris Kreider, who were part of the Four Nations Tournament but are also much less skilled than a goal scorer like Caufield.

When looking at the logic that Snake has brought up, it is hard to believe that Caufield wouldn’t at least be among Team USA’s top 13 forwards, as every country could use a pure goal scorer in a tournament like the Olympics. The only area where Caufield’s goal scoring isn’t as good as expected this season has been on the power play, but he’s been a goal-scoring merchant even in strength situations and has come up very clutch in overtime situations. The fact that USA lost the Four Nations in overtime, makes it seem like Caufield would be an asset for them.

Chances are there will be an overtime or two in the elimination rounds that Caufield could surely help the USA become victorious. Caufield leads the NHL OT winners so far this season with 3, meaning there is no more clutch player with the game on the line so far this season. Regardless of whether they like his size or not, there should be no way he should be left off the roster for his goal-scoring ability alone, but he has also developed a solid 2-way game that can allow him to play in any situation.

The truth is, Caufield has done almost everything he can to be able to make Team USA. If he can’t make the team with this start of the season, there may sadly never be a way for the Habs sniper to make the team. He seems like he would be the perfect player for the Americans to score a clutch overtime goal, especially with the OT being 3-on-3, but it’s their loss for not taking him.

Keep in mind, there is nothing 100% confirmed about LeBrun’s report, but normally, when he or someone of his reputation hears something like Caufield not being considered for Team USA, those reports almost always end up being true. On Wednesday night he explained the reasoning more on the Sick Podcast, essentially Team USA couldn’t find a spot for him in the top 6 so that’s why they will be passing on him. Given what Snake said earlier that day, that logic doesn’t seem like the right decision for a skilled tournament like the Olympics.

As a Canadian, this news is probably better for us as a country, as it will mean one less clutch player for the Americans at the Olympics. However, as a Habs fan, it sucks we won’t get to see him score goals for his country. Either way, it will definitely make it easier to cheer against the US at the Olympics. 

Are you shocked about LeBrun’s report, or did you expect Cole Caufield to be left off the US Olympic team?