Montreal — In a moment that caught fans and teammates by complete surprise, Montreal Canadiens forward Cole Caufield has announced his engagement to his longtime girlfriend, marking a rare and emotional glimpse into the private life of one of the NHL’s most electrifying young stars.
The 24-year-old winger, known for his goal-scoring flair and fiery presence on the ice, took to Instagram late Monday night with a heartfelt photo and message: a sunset proposal scene, a gleaming engagement ring, and a caption that read, “She’s been my rock through every high and low. Here’s to forever.”
The news spread like wildfire across social media, with fans flooding the comments in a mix of congratulations and astonishment. Caufield, who has fiercely guarded his personal life throughout his rising career, has rarely been seen in public with his now-fiancée, making the engagement announcement all the more surprising — and moving.
While her name has not been officially confirmed, sources close to the team and several online fan accounts have long speculated that Caufield was in a relationship with Abby Brien, a woman from his home state of Wisconsin. The two were reportedly high school sweethearts who maintained a low profile even as Caufield’s career took him from the University of Wisconsin to the NHL spotlight in Montreal.
“Cole has always been intensely focused on his game and very private about everything else,” one team insider said. “But those of us close to him have known how important she’s been in his life. She’s supported him quietly from day one.”
The timing of the announcement is noteworthy. Caufield just wrapped up a strong 2024–25 season, during which he continued to cement his role as one of the Canadiens’ foundational stars. With the team showing signs of a promising rebuild and fan support at an all-time high, the engagement adds a personal highlight to a year already full of professional growth.
Teammates and NHL stars alike chimed in with messages of support. Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki reposted the engagement photo to his story with the message, “Congrats brother! Knew it was coming.” Meanwhile, fans filled Twitter (now X) with jokes about who really “won the Stanley Cup” this year.
Although Caufield has always been seen as a fierce competitor and a focused athlete, this personal milestone is a reminder that behind the helmet and highlight reels is a young man navigating love, growth, and life like anyone else — just with millions of fans watching.
As the Canadiens prepare for what promises to be a pivotal offseason, the engagement brings a dose of joy and stability to one of the team’s biggest stars. Whether on the ice or in life, it’s clear Cole Caufield is skating confidently toward the future.
