Each day, it seems like a new player is heading to Europe where seasons have already started. Given the uncertainty around North American hockey leagues it makes sense that players would head across the pond to get game ready.
While it has not been confirmed, highly touted Montreal Canadiens prospect Cole Caufield has been rumored to be heading to Sweden. As per Chris Peters, there are reports that Rogle is interested in signing the Montreal Canadiens prospect. Rogel hasn’t confirmed or denied their interest.
The Canadiens 15th overall pick in 2019, Caufield played last season with his home state Wisconsin Badgers. The sophomore Badger played to a point per game pace in the NCAA’s Big 10 conference. With more questions than answers about an NCAA hockey start date, Caufield may be ensuring he gets playing minutes to continue his development. Remember that the US National Team Development Program had eight first round selections in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. Will Caufield be the first of many high-end NCAA players to head to East, and ensure a season?
Europe a Growing Destination?
Earlier this month, two WHL players — Ridly Greig, Brandon Wheat Kings – Connor McClennon, Winnipeg Ice — announced they would be heading to Europe and start the season in Sweden. Both players are eligible for the 2020 NHL Draft, and have now ensured that they will continue to develop should junior leagues be delayed further.
Shortly after that announcement, the Edmonton Oilers loaned defender Evan Bouchard to Sodertalje SK of the Swedish Hockey League. Additionally, the Oilers also loaned forward Gaetan Haas to SC Bern of the Swiss Elite League. Recently, Leon Draisaitl was rumored to be heading back to play the season with his hometown Kölner Haie team of the DEL. Since that time, many NHL teams have been loaning prospects to European teams.
This rumor turned out to be more of a translation misunderstanding as Draisaitl is merely practicing with Kölner. However, will the European migration become a growing trend for college, junior, and minor league professional (AHL, ECHL) players?
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