Montreal’s Cole Caufield Announces He Will Wear No. 13 to Honor Johnny Gaudreau
Montreal Canadiens’ rising star Cole Caufield has announced a significant change ahead of the upcoming NHL season—he will be switching his jersey number to 13, a move designed to pay tribute to one of his personal heroes, Johnny Gaudreau. This announcement has caused quite a stir in the hockey community, not just for the change itself but for the meaning behind it. Caufield’s decision to wear No. 13 in honor of Gaudreau speaks volumes about the admiration and respect he holds for one of the NHL’s most electrifying players, and it adds another layer to Caufield’s evolving legacy in the sport.
A Meaningful Gesture: Why Johnny Gaudreau?
Cole Caufield has always been open about the players who have inspired him throughout his journey to the NHL, and Johnny Gaudreau stands at the top of that list. Known for his diminutive stature and incredible offensive skills, Gaudreau—who currently plays for the Columbus Blue Jackets—has been a role model for smaller players in the NHL. Gaudreau’s success in the league, despite being undersized by traditional hockey standards, has served as a beacon of hope for players like Caufield, who have faced similar challenges.
Standing at 5’7”, Gaudreau has continually defied the odds, racking up multiple All-Star selections and establishing himself as one of the most exciting forwards in the league. His ability to dominate games with his skating, vision, and scoring touch has inspired a new generation of smaller forwards, including Caufield, who, at 5’7” himself, shares many of the same challenges that Gaudreau overcame. In this sense, switching to No. 13 is more than just a numerical change for Caufield—it’s a tribute to a player who paved the way for him and others like him.
In a recent interview, Caufield explained his decision to switch to Gaudreau’s No. 13: “Johnny has been one of my biggest inspirations since I was a kid. Watching him succeed at the highest level despite all the talk about size made me believe I could do it too. Wearing No. 13 is my way of showing respect to him and what he represents for players like me.”
The Significance of No. 13 in Hockey
Jersey numbers hold special significance in hockey, often becoming synonymous with the players who wear them. For Johnny Gaudreau, No. 13 became his identity as he took the NHL by storm, earning the nickname “Johnny Hockey” while wearing the number. Gaudreau’s exceptional play has elevated the No. 13, making it iconic in its own right.
Interestingly, No. 13 hasn’t always been a popular choice in hockey, as it’s often viewed as an unlucky number. In fact, for many years, it was rare to see NHL players donning the number due to superstitions surrounding it. However, Gaudreau’s success while wearing No. 13 has helped to shift that narrative, turning the number into a symbol of skill, creativity, and determination—traits that Caufield clearly embodies as well.
By choosing to wear No. 13, Caufield is not only aligning himself with Gaudreau’s legacy, but he’s also embracing the shift in how the number is perceived in the hockey world. Rather than being a source of bad luck, No. 13 has become a representation of defying expectations, and there are few players who fit that narrative better than Caufield.
Cole Caufield’s Journey: Following in Gaudreau’s Footsteps
Caufield’s rise to stardom mirrors Gaudreau’s in many ways. Like Gaudreau, Caufield was often overlooked due to his size, but his offensive talent was undeniable. Born in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, Caufield quickly made a name for himself in youth hockey circles before joining the U.S. National Development Team Program, where he broke scoring records previously held by NHL stars like Phil Kessel and Auston Matthews.
Caufield continued to shine at the University of Wisconsin, where he won the Hobey Baker Award as the top player in college hockey in 2021. His transition to the NHL was seamless, and he quickly became one of the Canadiens’ most exciting young talents. Despite his size, Caufield has demonstrated an elite ability to score goals, using his quick release and excellent positioning to beat goaltenders at the highest level.
His admiration for Gaudreau is not just rooted in their shared experiences as smaller players, but also in the style of play they both employ. Like Gaudreau, Caufield thrives in high-pressure situations, using his speed, creativity, and hockey IQ to generate scoring opportunities. Both players are known for their ability to think the game at a high level, anticipating plays before they develop and capitalizing on even the smallest openings.
In his relatively short NHL career so far, Caufield has already drawn comparisons to Gaudreau, not only because of his size but also due to his impact on the ice. He has become a fan favorite in Montreal, scoring clutch goals and bringing energy and excitement every time he steps onto the rink. Now, with the switch to No. 13, the comparisons are sure to intensify, but Caufield seems ready to embrace the challenge.
The Legacy of Jersey Numbers in Montreal
The Montreal Canadiens have one of the most storied histories in professional sports, and jersey numbers carry a deep significance within the organization. Many of the game’s greatest players, such as Maurice “Rocket” Richard (No. 9), Jean Béliveau (No. 4), and Guy Lafleur (No. 10), have seen their numbers immortalized in the rafters of the Bell Centre. For Caufield, switching to No. 13 comes with the added weight of knowing that every jersey number worn in Montreal carries historical significance.
Though No. 13 may not have the same storied history as some of the Canadiens’ retired numbers, Caufield’s choice could mark the beginning of a new era. It’s possible that years from now, No. 13 will be synonymous with Caufield’s own legacy, just as No. 10 is forever linked to Lafleur or No. 9 to Richard. By honoring Gaudreau with his choice of number, Caufield is not only paying tribute to his idol but also carving out his own place in Montreal’s rich history.
Gaudreau’s Response: A Moment of Mutual Respect
When asked about Caufield’s decision to honor him by wearing No. 13, Gaudreau was both humbled and flattered. In a recent interview, Gaudreau said, “It’s really special to see a player like Cole, someone I’ve watched and admired, make that kind of gesture. It means a lot to me, and I’m excited to see him continue to grow as a player. He’s got so much talent, and it’s awesome that he’s going to wear No. 13. It’s a great number.”
This exchange between Gaudreau and Caufield is a testament to the mutual respect between two of the NHL’s most exciting players. While Gaudreau continues to make his mark with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Caufield is poised to become one of the central figures in Montreal’s push for a return to championship contention. Their shared number will serve as a link between the two players, representing their common bond as skilled, undersized forwards who have proven that talent and heart can overcome any obstacles.
What This Means for Caufield’s Future
The decision to switch to No. 13 marks a significant moment in Cole Caufield’s young career. It’s a sign of his maturity and his understanding of the broader narrative within the sport. By choosing to honor Johnny Gaudreau, Caufield is acknowledging the players who came before him, but he’s also signaling his readiness to take on a larger role in the NHL. As he continues to develop into one of the league’s premier goal scorers, this number change could serve as a catalyst for a new chapter in his career.
Caufield’s future in Montreal is bright. With a young core that includes Nick Suzuki and Kirby Dach, the Canadiens are in the midst of a rebuild, but Caufield’s talent and leadership will be central to the team’s long-term success. His decision to switch numbers reflects his growth as a player and as a person, and it demonstrates his willingness to carry the torch for smaller players in the league, just as Gaudreau did before him.
A Symbolic Change with Deep Roots
Cole Caufield’s decision to switch to No. 13 in honor of Johnny Gaudreau is more than just a superficial jersey change. It’s a tribute to a player who helped shape his own path to the NHL and a nod to the shared experiences of smaller forwards who have faced skepticism but triumphed through skill, determination, and heart. As Caufield embarks on this next phase of his career with the Montreal Canadiens, No. 13 will represent not only his respect for Gaudreau but also his own journey toward greatness.
In a league where jersey numbers carry immense weight and meaning, Caufield’s choice to wear No. 13 could one day be seen as the moment when he truly stepped into his own spotlight, ready to create a legacy as one of Montreal’s all-time greats. The story of No. 13 is just beginning, and hockey fans everywhere will be eager to see how it unfolds.
