Canadiens May Have Found Their Next Cole Caufield in Latest Acquisition

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L. Honein
July 20, 2025 (12:02)

Cole Caufield and LJ Mooney

Photo credit: NHL

It’s hard not to get too excited about a new, dynamic young player acquired by the Montreal Canadiens.

I’m choosing my words carefully because I know you hate it when people start screaming “steal” or “home run” too quickly, but what I’m reading about LJ Mooney really reminds me of what I was reading about Lane Hutson a few years ago.

I’m not saying Mooney is going to win the Calder Trophy in his rookie NHL season or become a star player, but I’m simply saying that what I’m reading about Mooney right now reminds me a lot of what experts were saying a few weeks after the 2022 Draft about Hutson.

Considering he was only a 4th-round pick, I think it’s already safe to call this a successful acquisition by Kent Hughes and the Canadiens-but I’m eager to see what happens next.

If the buzz around him reminds people of Hutson, NCAA expert Ryan Sikes is drawing a different comparison-to another current Canadiens player.

College hockey writer Ryan Sikes:

“LJ Mooney reminds me a lot of Cole Caufield in the way that he plays. I think he has the potential to be as impactful at Minnesota as Caufield was for Wisconsin.”

– Via HabsOnReddit

Mooney, who was the standout star of the Canadiens’ most recent development camp, could truly confirm his status as a draft-day steal with a big NCAA season.

We can’t wait to see what he does over the coming months!

Previously on HabsFanatics

Canadiens May Have Found Their Next Cole Caufield in Latest Acquisition

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