With training camp starting in just a couple of days, there’s a lot of speculation about who should play on the top line with Caufield and Suzuki. But I’m here to tell you (and I know this goes against the BFF narrative we all love): they should not be playing together at 5v5.
Instead, Cole should play on the 2nd line with Kirby Dach at C. Why?
Nick & Cole get stuck in their own end waaaay to often. There were soooo many wasted Caufield shifts last year where he never crossed into the O-zone. Dach is by far the Habs’ best player at exiting the D-zone while controlling the puck, so he can get it to Cole where he’s most valuable (i.e. within shooting range).
Kirby Dach is 6’3’’ with a monstrous wingspan and he can skate like the wind, and all of that draws a lot of defensive coverage, which can give Cole the opportunity to do what he does best (i.e. find open space).
On the 2nd line, Cole will not be going against other teams’ top lines all the time, which should translate to more opportunity for offence.
And last but not least:
Cole & Kirby are also really good friends and it is a rule that USNTDP kids from the 2019 draft HAVE to play with a non-American buddy with good eyebrows to find sustained success in the NHL.
