Canadiens' Caufield Honors Childhood Friend Baldwin Before Game

Caufield wore Braves catcher's jersey to support his former youth hockey teammate.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:52am

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An abstract, expressionist painting in neon colors featuring overlapping brushstrokes and shapes that suggest the dynamic movement and energy of two friends playing sports together, their identities obscured in the vibrant, gestural composition.The enduring friendship between two athletes who bonded over their shared love of sports as children shines through in this vibrant, energetic illustration.Columbus Today

Montreal Canadiens forward Cole Caufield arrived at the Bell Centre wearing the jersey of his childhood friend and Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin before a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Caufield and Baldwin were U14 teammates on Team Wisconsin, and Caufield credits Baldwin for inspiring him to take hockey more seriously.

Why it matters

The gesture highlights the enduring friendship between the two athletes who grew up playing sports together. It also showcases how professional athletes often maintain close bonds from their youth sports days.

The details

Caufield's jersey featured Baldwin's signature and '2025 NL ROY' written on the back, referencing Baldwin's National League Rookie of the Year honors after batting .274 with 19 home runs and 80 RBIs for the Braves. In a video, Caufield praised Baldwin's ability to balance playing multiple sports, including hockey, during their youth.

  • Caufield wore Baldwin's jersey on April 12, 2026 before a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The players

Cole Caufield

A forward for the Montreal Canadiens who played youth hockey with Drake Baldwin.

Drake Baldwin

A catcher for the Atlanta Braves who was Caufield's former youth hockey teammate on Team Wisconsin.

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What they’re saying

“Watching a guy like that play not only baseball, but football too and also play competitive hockey and be linemates with me was pretty special. And just how he was able to balance everything and do it every weekend was pretty cool to see.”

— Cole Caufield, Montreal Canadiens Forward

The takeaway

Caufield's gesture of wearing his childhood friend's jersey is a heartwarming example of the lasting bonds that can form through youth sports participation, even as the two friends have gone on to successful professional careers in different sports.