Judd Caulfield’s first NHL goal came with a special audience watching from the stands. Ten members of his family had traveled 145 miles from Grand Forks, North Dakota, to see the Anaheim Ducks rookie face the Winnipeg Jets on Friday. When Caulfield scored at 14:41 of the first period, the television broadcast caught his grandmother cheering in excitement. She had not seen him play since his college days at North Dakota, making the goal an especially memorable moment for the family. After the game, Caulfield posed with the puck from his first NHL goal.

Judd Caulfield thanks family for years of support 

“It was super special with the family here,” Caulfield said after the game. He also spoke about having his parents, siblings and his wife’s family in attendance, along with his grandmother, who had not been to a game in a while. He added, It was great to have that support. They have supported me for so many years.” 

Tim Washe and Jeff Malott set up the goal

Caulfield’s goal came after Tim Washe moved the puck out of the zone and Jeff Malott carried it toward the net. Malott left the puck in front, allowing Caulfield to finish the play.

“It feels great to get that first one,” Caulfield said. “It was a great play by (Tim) Washe to get that puck out of the zone and (Jeff Malott) had great speed taking the puck to the net and left it easy for me to score right in front of the net. So, it felt great.”

Judd Caulfield’s journey from AHL to NHL 

Caulfield turned professional in April 2023 after signing a two-year entry-level contract with Anaheim. He joined the San Diego Gulls, the Ducks’ American Hockey League affiliate, on an amateur tryout for the rest of the 2022-23 season.

His first full season with the Gulls brought 10 goals and 16 assists in 61 games in 2023-24. He recorded 11 goals and 14 assists the next season, then had his best statistical year in 2025-26, finishing with 17 goals and 21 assists in 71 games.

On July 1, 2026, Caulfield signed a two-year, two-way contract with Anaheim. He earned a place on the Ducks’ opening-night roster for the 2026-27 season. His goal against Winnipeg marked his first NHL scoring milestone after three seasons of professional development in the AHL and his arrival on Anaheim’s roster.

 

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