Under the dazzling lights at PPG Paints Arena, Cole Caufield glides across the ice with an electric energy that commands attention. The Montreal Canadiens forward, jersey number 13 flashing, centers the puck with a precision that leaves defenders scrambling and fans breathless. Seconds later, he rifles a shot past the Pittsburgh Penguins’ goaltender, igniting the crowd and sending a clear message—this is a player built for the spotlight, a star whose talent cannot be ignored. Yet, as the cheers echo through the arena, a storm of controversy brews far from the rink, threatening to overshadow Caufield’s finest season.

The Olympic Games—hockey’s grandest stage—are fast approaching, and Team USA is in the midst of assembling its roster. But in a move that has stunned fans and experts alike, the American management seems hesitant to include Caufield, citing a preference for physicality over finesse. Bill Guerin, the team’s architect, continues to emphasize the need for bigger, tougher players, casting doubt on whether Caufield’s remarkable skill set will earn him a coveted spot. It’s a decision that has unleashed a tidal wave of debate across the hockey world.

Into this firestorm steps Anthony Martineau of TVA Sports, his words as sharp as Caufield’s wrist shot. “If Cole Caufield is not part of the U.S. team, it’s a disgrace,” Martineau declares, refusing to mince words. He points to the numbers—Caufield ranks second among American goal scorers, trailing only Jason Robertson, and has played fewer games. His offensive and defensive statistics outshine nearly every other American forward, and he’s proven time and again that his size is no liability. In fact, among 353 NHL forwards, Caufield has been hit less than 312 of them, a testament to his agility and awareness on the ice.

Martineau’s message is clear: the debate over physicality versus skill is outdated, and Caufield’s exclusion would be nothing short of a national embarrassment. His ability to score big goals in crucial moments, his relentless work ethic, and his evolution into one of the world’s premier forwards make him indispensable. At just 24 years old and standing 5-foot-8, Caufield is rewriting the narrative for undersized players, proving that heart and talent outweigh inches and pounds.

Yet, behind the statistics and the impassioned arguments, a deeper question lingers. What is Team USA really looking for? Are they willing to sacrifice elite scoring and versatility for a more traditional, bruising lineup? And if so, what message does that send to the next generation of American hockey stars? As the Olympic selection process unfolds, every decision carries enormous weight—not just for the team, but for the future of the sport itself.

For now, fans, analysts, and players alike are left in suspense, waiting to see if reason will prevail. Will Cole Caufield’s name be called, or will Team USA risk igniting a firestorm of criticism that could haunt them for years to come? The answer remains hidden, but one thing is certain—the hockey world is watching, and the stakes have never been higher.

Dec 11, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Montreal Canadiens center Cole Caufield (13) centers the puck prior to scoring against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Philip G. Pavely-Imagn Images

Journalist Anthony Martineau of TVA Sports delivered a strong message directed at Montreal Canadiens forward Cole Caufield.

As Team USA management does not appear inclined to include Caufield on its roster, and with Bill Guerin continuing to repeat that he needs physical players, Martineau dropped quite a statement.

According to him, if Cole Caufield is not selected by the American team to go to the Olympic Games, it would be a disgrace, nothing less. Wow!

“I’ll say it the way I feel it: if Cole Caufield is not part of the U.S. team, it’s a disgrace.

Offensively and defensively, he OUTPERFORMS the competition among American forwards.

– Anthony Martineau

Martineau also highlights other statistics that are truly eye-opening:

“The sharpshooter also ranks second in goals scored by an American. Only Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson has more, with 18 goals and two more games played.

There are 353 forwards in the National Hockey League, and Caufield has been hit less than 312 of them, he continued.

The guy is the complete opposite of a defensive liability. His size is not something that should be taken into account, and he does the hardest thing to do in hockey, which is score goals.

I wonder what Bill Guerin is thinking if he doesn’t take Caufield.”

– Anthony Martineau concluded.

Do you agree with him?

Cole Caufield absolutely deserves to be part of the American team for the 2026 Olympic Games

It’s all well and good to want physicality, but I think Caufield has proven that he is more than capable of playing strong, complete hockey, playoff-style hockey, and on top of that, he has a knack for scoring big goals in big moments.

Cole Caufield, 24 years old, is a 5-foot-8, 175-pound forward who is currently having the best season of his NHL career.

He is currently one of the best goal scorers in the world, one of the best forwards in the world, and I don’t see how Team USA management can find 13 or 14 forwards better than him.

I’m very curious to see how this plays out.