Canadiens forward Caufield separated shoulder twice, popped it back in both times

One week after the Montreal Canadiens’ announcement that Cole Caufield will undergo surgery on his right shoulder and miss the remainder of the 2022-23 season, the young winger spoke to reporters Friday to shed more light on the injury and his recovery timeline.

Although Caufield has dealt with shoulder issues in the past, he disclosed Friday that he separated his shoulder twice over the past month, popping it back in himself both times and eventually opting for further testing on the injury.

“This happened the first time before Christmas in Dallas, just an awkward fall — kind of put it back in myself a couple of seconds later and, you know, it wasn't too bad,” the 22-year-old said. “The second time was in Nashville, the same thing happened and that time was a little more painful.

“After the second fall, it was pretty clear that we had to get some tests done and look at it because after the first one, I didn't really think too much of it.”

On Jan. 21, the Canadiens announced Caufield would miss the rest of the season due to the impeding surgery. The winger said Friday he would’ve continued to play if the team had a greater chance to make the playoffs — Montreal is second-last in the Eastern Conference, 13 points out of a wild-card spot.

“If we were in a playoff spot, no doubt in my mind I'd still be playing,” he said. “It really wasn't up to me to stop playing. But in [these] circumstances, I feel like this is the best decision long-term. It's hard to come to a conclusion that this is the best, but, like I said, long-term it will all work out.

“In the end, it could have been one more fall and it could have been even worse. ... In the long term, I didn't want to hurt it more and have to do even more, with the surgery, or have more effects long-term.”

Although plans for the young forward’s surgery have yet to be announced, he told reporters that it will happen in the near future. Caufield also disclosed that the surgery will be performed by the same doctor who handled teammate Josh Anderson’s shoulder surgery in 2020, Dr. Peter Millett, and that he’s had conversations with Anderson and Columbus Blue Jackets defenceman Zach Werenski — who underwent a similar surgery eight weeks ago — about their experiences with the procedure and recovery.

“I’ve got the right people around me looking [out] for what's best for me,” Caufield said. “And I think having my trust in them, I know I can get back to 100 per cent and still be the player I am, and hopefully a better one.”

After undergoing a similar procedure in 2020, Anderson didn’t return to the lineup for seven months. Werenski, who underwent his surgery in early December, is expected to miss roughly six months. Caufield confirmed that the lengthy timeline was part of the reason he and the team opted for the surgery at this point in the season, with the goal being to return in time for the 2023-24 campaign.

“I think everybody's different. I'm a younger guy, so, you know, hopefully my body can kind of heal a bit faster,” Caufield said. “But I think the timing of this, that's why I've been taken out, is to be ready for next season and be back at 100 per cent. It's for sure going to be a long, long process, but it's something that I'm going to really work hard at.”

Caufield said he sought three different opinions on the shoulder injury and the approach he should take. Ultimately, it was a conversation with Dr. Millett that convinced him surgery sooner than later was the best option.

“He was the one that was like, ‘This is pretty serious.' And, you know, one more awkward fall, it could could be even worse,” Caufield said. “You know, the risk of that, maybe if you're towards the end of your career, it's a little bit different. But going forward for me, I just want to be able to feel 100 per cent and obviously work as hard as I can to be back there as soon as possible.”

Still, the young Canadiens star — who’s put up 26 goals and 43 points in 46 games so far, in his third year with the team — knows it will be difficult to watch from afar until next season.

“I want to be out there. I mean, it's tough watching. It's tough not being out there, practicing with your teammates, just the day-to-day stuff. It's obviously tough. But the people around me that I trust have been nothing but honest with me throughout this whole process,” Caufield said.

Asked if he’ll miss working on his shot, the hallmark of his game, the winger said the team’s already taken steps to ensure he doesn’t sneak in any extra sessions.

“I already miss it. They took my sticks away in the locker room,” he said Friday, with a laugh. “They actually did. And my skates. I'll for sure miss it. But again, I think it's what's best for me long-term. And, you know, I'll make up for those pucks not being shot.”