Montreal Canadiens prospect Cole Caufield is planning to return for a second season with the Wisconsin Badgers, according to Wisconsin State Journal's Todd D. Milewski.

After leading the Badgers in scoring as a freshman this past season, Caufield reportedly told his coach, Tony Granato, that he intends to suit up in his sophomore campaign.

"When they're not ready (for the NHL), they're better off staying to give themselves a better chance of when they get there, they can stay there," Granato said. "Working through the hurdles, working through some of the things that we worked through this year, individually and as a team, are experiences and battles that you have to have to get ready for an NHL season."

Caufield, 19, was selected 15th overall by the Canadiens in the 2019 draft. He recorded 19 goals and 36 points in 36 games during his freshman season at Wisconsin.

Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin said in February that he thought Caufield should remain in the NCAA next season to continue his development.

Two of Caufield's teammates from this past season have already made their decisions to leave and ink pro contracts. K'Andre Miller signed with the New York Rangers and Alex Turcotte joined the Los Angeles Kings after the Badgers' season concluded on March 8.

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