When Cole met Brendan

MONTREAL -- Cole Caufield and Brendan Gallagher were destined to be best buds.

And we have the video evidence to prove it.
Remember this epic interaction between them at the 2019 NHL Draft in Vancouver?
Caufield was picked 15th overall and Gallagher was there to greet him.

Then the veteran winger, who served as HabsTV's special Draft correspondent, interviewed the newest member of the organization.
The chemistry was instant.
Nearly three years later, Caufield still fondly recalls the special encounter at Rogers Arena.
He was all smiles while reviewing the footage on locker cleanout day.
"It feels like I've known him forever, but that was the first time I met him," said Caufield. "He was the greatest back then, too."

Interacting with Gallagher was just one of several highlights the 21-year-old sniper cherished from his draft night.
Meeting captain Shea Weber was also a thrill.
Weber actually stepped up to the mic and announced Caufield's selection to the world, so the pair will always share a unique connection.
"He was taller than I could even describe to you," joked the 5' 7" University of Wisconsin product, referencing Weber's eight-inch height advantage.

The Canadiens' leading goalscorer this past season remembers the agonizing wait before his name was finally called.
Admittedly, the calm and cool forward we've come to know wasn't so chill in the stands.
"I didn't really have a clue [which team was going to pick me]. I was pretty nervous. I'm not going to lie," said Caufield. "It felt like forever waiting."
Being surrounded by family and friends was a huge help, though.
And it made the once-in-a-lifetime moments even more memorable.
"My mom, dad and brother were there. It was pretty cool to have that experience with them," mentioned Caufield. "My college coaches, junior coach, and some teammates from those teams were there, too, so it was a lot of fun."

If anyone can share some advice for incoming prospects this July, it's him.
The 2021 Hobey Baker Award winner has come a long way since being plucked from the crowd in the Lower Mainland.
Any words of wisdom, Cole?
"You're getting picked by the best team in the world, the hockey team with the best fans. It's a lot of fun to play here," concluded Caufield. "We've got good guys on the team and a good coaching staff as well."