from Stu Cowan of the Montreal Gazette,

Cole Caufield was already trending on Twitter in Canada early Friday night.

Part of the reason was the Canadiens’ top prospect was named the Hobey Baker Award winner as the top player in U.S. college hockey. About 30 minutes after that announcement, Caufield made his pro debut with the AHL’s Laval Rocket in Toronto against the Marlies.

The fact a 20-year-old who has yet to play a game in the NHL was trending is a sign of just how excited Canadiens fans are about Caufield. The game was also televised on RDS and broadcast on TSN 690 Radio.

Caufield didn’t disappoint, scoring two goals — including the winner — and adding an assist in a 5-3 Rocket victory.

Caufield’s first goal came at 1:28 of the second period with a one-timer blast on the power play from the faceoff circle to the right of Marlies goalie Joseph Woll. His second goal at 9:43 of the third period came after streaking down the left side, taking a shot and then roofing his rebound.

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