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He's a goal-scoring winger who just never stopped scoring goals this season.
In 64 games with the US National Team Development Program, Caufield scored 72 goals. The next closest goal scorer on the team was projected top two pick Jack Hughes, and he had 34 goals. No one has come close to that number of goals in the history of the program, in fact the next closest was Auston Matthews with 55 goals in 2014-15. At some points this season, it felt like Caulfield was going to score a hat-trick every single game.
So, if you are looking for a goal-scoring winger at the top of this draft class then Caufield is the best of the bunch. The issue that is holding him back from rising even further up the draft boards is the fact that he measures in at 5'7" and 165 lbs. No matter how good his shot is or how often he generates shots on net, he averaged 4.3 SH/GP, there is still trepidation about how his game will translate to the professional ranks.
Despite the small size, Caufield is so effective at finding space in between opponents' coverage and then exploiting the little bit of daylight left open by the opposing netminder. He actively puts himself into areas that give him the time to use his best talents. That also speaks to his awareness on the ice and his ability to process the game one or two steps ahead of his opponent.
Caufield isn't the fastest skater, but is good at adjusting lanes and keeping control of the puck. He can quickly change his direction and then get off a shot. Given his size, he does have some trouble dealing with larger defenceman, but does a very good job of resetting his engagement and then reengaging the battle.
Like any player of his size, there will be questions about how effective he can be when the game ramps up. There is still some risk to taking Caulfield in the 1st round, but his ability to score goals at such an impressive rate and in the ways that he did, should allow him to continue to be an effective sniper when he is placed with the right linemates.
It will be a matter of figuring out if the risk is worth the potential reward, but there is little doubt that if he can reach his ceiling, the payoff may be immense.
Caufield will head to the University of Wisconsin next season.