Last night, the Philadelphia Flyers landed their goal-scoring power forward. A center with the ability to smoothly transition into a left-wing, Jasmine Martinez announced Cutter Gauthier as the fifth overall selection.
Standing at 6’2″ and 201lbs, Gauthier is the latest trend in the right direction. John Tortorella wants this team to be hard to play against; one that makes other teams dread entering the Wells Fargo Center. Gauthier skates hard and protects the puck. His versatility allows him to be the goal-scorer the Flyers need at LW or a playmaking C. In 2022-2023, he will occupy the middle of the ice at Boston College.
“I got to see him play some games at center, at wing. He played well throughout the year.”
Chuck Fletcher; 7/8/2022
Already a first-round talent, Gauthier climbed further up the draft board. With the fifth overall selection, David Jiříček was available. Fletcher secured who he believed was the best forward available with the highest upside. Gauthier projects as a top-six forward, but could break through as a star.
“It’s an upside play. Everyone has a back up game, I guess you could call it. He certainly has upside; the way he shoots the puck, drives with the puck. He brings so many attributes any team could use more of, including ours.”
Chuck Fletcher; 7/8/2022
Remember when Brock Otten compared Gauthier to Jeff Carter? He said Gauthier was “maybe a little more physical than Carter,” in his comparison. Good enough for a third-best ranking of North American skaters via NHL Central Scouting.
Fletcher also cited Gauthier that reminds him of Carter, “at times.”
Correlating Gauthier to Carter doesn’t stop on the ice. He wants to be seen. After he put on the orange sweater, he commented “it’s bright orange, it’s awesome, you definitely stand out.” With confidence, he’s stepping into the spotlight as Philadelphia’s first-round pick.
He was refreshing in his post-draft interview. Often, in 2021-2022, the narrative hovered around prospects finding their confidence. Consistency is a critical element of what Fletcher wants in a prospect. Confidence is a critical factor in maintaining consistency. Gauthier said he had a “great night’s sleep,” and it’s a credit to his confidence in his ability and where it will bring him.
On his draft night, Gauthier was incredibly transparent about where he felt he could improve. He wants to improve on using his size to become more physical. Gauthier can be a game-breaking talent with his tenacity in the OZ on the forecheck.
Fletcher found a formidable two-way forward. He’s a complete package.
After a season at Boston College, Gauthier wants to turn professional.
(Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire)
