Confirmed with Link: [ANA/PHI] Cutter Gauthier for Jamie Drysdale and 2025 2nd round pick

[JAHV]

I'm with those that are critiquing the value. Why pay a premium when Philly had no leverage?

Proven top 4 right shot defensemen are more of a premium than unproven, highly touted offensive forward prospects. But let's throw in a high 2nd rounder to seal the deal.

What's more, Verbeek better be absolutely certain the Luneau, Warren, Zell, etc. pan out. We've all debated on the odds of that happening and I certainly don't like them.

This also unbalances the defense moving forward. Verbeek and Cronin have shown/said they like LHD/RHD pairings. So now Luneau is projected to be our #1 RHD and yet his health is a concern. After that, what? Warren? Good thing he's been durable. So we draft one this year? Neat, can't wait to hear "trust the process" for another few years until we see if that player pans out.

To me, this trade brings a lot more uncertainty and it'll take even more time until we find out the answers. Buckle up, we're in for an even longer and bumpier ride in this rebuild.

1. They didn't pay a premium. They made a fair hockey trade, and it's likely Philly had other offers. The Ducks had to beat those offers.
2. First, everyone else in the hockey world think Gauthier is a better player than Drysdale. Perhaps it bothers you that that evaluation includes potential, but I have not seen anyone who values Drysdale higher than Gauthier. Certainly the Ducks need a highly touted forward prospect more than they need a top 4 RD.
3. Verbeek only needs to be sure that one of them pans out. We already know we've got one in Mintyukov. Fowler is around for a few more years, as is Gudas. And there are tons of opportunities to acquire more defense talent on the market.
4. Yes, the defense is unbalanced right now. But the best defense in Ducks history included 5 LDs, so I'm not worried about it. This is not a deal breaker.

This is exactly the type of move our GM should be making.

 

[FiveHoleTickler]

Philly had 2 and a half years of player control. Lets not act like he went UFA in 6 months. They had plenty of leverage, and believe it or not, GMs generally dont want to f*** each other over. The Ducks payed the price that it required. Remember, there were 20 teams Gauthier said he would sign with. It isnt like Anaheim was his only spot.

Fair enough.

Luneau doesn't have health concerns. I feel like people are way too quick to say players have health concerns. Health concerns are chronic soft tissue injuries like hamstrings, or back issues, or concussion issues. A torn ACL is not a concern in 2024. Especially at the age of 18. An infection is not a chronic issue. Its a freak accident. As long as he recovers there wont be any lasting issues.

I said his health is a concern. I didn't mean to imply it will be a major hindrance moving forward, although I can see how it came off that way. I meant that more with Warren and my point still stands in terms of RHD depth. Verbeek just pulled the cork out of the leak to plug another in that regard.

And, to me this says that the Ducks think Gauthier + the guys likely available at the 2024 1st > Drysdale + the guys available at the 2024 1st. Which screams "We think the defensemen likely available to us are way more of an impact then the forwards available to us".

I'm not onboard with the fallacy of appealing to authority. I'm positive that's what Verbeek thinks - he essentially said as much in the post-trade interview. That doesn't mean he's right. It's a gamble with sizable risk. I agree with those that say it should be commended, but that's not enough for me to think it was a good trade.

 

[Gliff]

Fair enough.


I said his health is a concern. I didn't mean to imply it will be a major hindrance moving forward, although I can see how it came off that way. I meant that more with Warren and my point still stands in terms of RHD depth. Verbeek just pulled the cork out of the leak to plug another in that regard.


I'm not onboard with the fallacy of appealing to authority. I'm positive that's what Verbeek thinks - he essentially said as much in the post-trade interview. That doesn't mean he's right. It's a gamble with sizable risk. I agree with those that say it should be commended, but that's not enough for me to think it was a good trade.

Thats a good way to put it, but I think when you take into account the Ducks ability to draft and develop defensemen compared to their ability to draft and develop forwards it becomes a lot more reasonable.

I'm not saying its "100% a win because our scouts say so!". I think there wont be a clear winner for this trade for probably 3-5 years, and I dont want to act like I know more about the situation then the Ducks scouts. Anyone calling this a win or lose right now are just ridiculous.

 

[FiveHoleTickler]

1. They didn't pay a premium. They made a fair hockey trade, and it's likely Philly had other offers. The Ducks had to beat those offers.
2. First, everyone else in the hockey world think Gauthier is a better player than Drysdale. Perhaps it bothers you that that evaluation includes potential, but I have not seen anyone who values Drysdale higher than Gauthier. Certainly the Ducks need a highly touted forward prospect more than they need a top 4 RD.
3. Verbeek only needs to be sure that one of them pans out. We already know we've got one in Mintyukov. Fowler is around for a few more years, as is Gudas. And there are tons of opportunities to acquire more defense talent on the market.
4. Yes, the defense is unbalanced right now. But the best defense in Ducks history included 5 LDs, so I'm not worried about it. This is not a deal breaker.

This is exactly the type of move our GM should be making.

1. I've conceded that in other posts, although I'll push back on your point about it being a fair hockey trade. That's very much up for debate and will be until their careers are over.

2. I'm willing to bet not everyone in the hockey world thinks that, but I digress. The aspect of trading a defenseman for a forward is not something I have a problem with - it's who it was and who it was for. We traded certainty for uncertainty in that regard and that absolutely warrants criticism for the simple fact that there's a real possibility (however remote) that Cutter can't cut it in the NHL. The high 2nd rounder is the kicker.

3. I'm looking beyond Fowler and Gudas' tenure as I don't think we'll be contenders while they're here.

4. That defense also included 2 Norris winners/Hall of Famers. Not comparable unless you think two of Mintyukov, LaCombe, Luneau, and Zellweger will have that kind of a career.

I agree this is the type of deal Verbeek should be making, but I question whether this particular deal was the right one. I'm not sure that it was.

 

[Anaheim4ever]

That’s my fear with bigger dmen like him…. And I’d prob be more comfortable just going for Dickinson or levy

Same and that longer 2 year wait on him to arrive vs Lev and Dicky only needing 1 more development year. I like that Minty and Lev got a bit in common, both defected from one of Russia/Belarus to play in NA during their draft year. They want to be in NA and likely no homesick issues cause of that. Not sure if Belarus speakers can understand Russian but Imagine it's close enough they'd became good pals.

 

[DuckDuckGetz]

One thing I've learned is that I would never survive in a market like Toronto... All this drama and speculation is annoying lol

 

[gunnergunther]

The people that don’t like Gauthier as a prospect seem to really not like him, like they believe he can easily bust. I don’t think anyone can say the same about drysdale. Everyone agrees if can stay healthy he’ll be in the league for years.
That’s the thing the worries me about the trade other than the overpayment.

 

[Ducks DVM]

My heart wanted fowler to be the one that goes. Much rather have drysdale but I get fowler has a ntc and teams prob don’t want him with his play and age

I don’t think there’s a 32 year old defenseman in the league that would get you a prospect like Gauthier.

 

[IdyllwildEcho]

I generally agree with you regarding hockey iq, but if you have a few gritty players on the team with size, speed and physicality that are will to park in front of the net they can be a great addition to the team and round out your smaller skilled guys…Size and speed are also a requirement to go deep in the playoffs. Hard to find those guys that are good enough to play in top 6.

This is overlooked in 2024. A lot of younger hockey fans think you can just have a bunch of Zegrases doing Michigans in the playoffs. The reality is that Stanley Cup winning teams have size and grit on top of skill.

 

[Beckett]

This is overlooked in 2024. A lot of younger hockey fans think you can just have a bunch of Zegrases doing Michigans in the playoffs. The reality is that Stanley Cup winning teams have size and grit on top of skill.

Exactly, it's the Tkachuks, Krieder's that excel in playoffs. It's become harder to find guys with size and grit you can ice at meaningful times with other skill guys, even if theyre not going to drive the play too often.

 

[Firequacker]

Perfectly reasonable to be in favor of this trade, both for what it is and what it represents in terms of Verbeek's willingness to make bold moves. Also perfectly reasonable to be wary about it given the amount of unknowns. I for one am still feeling all of the above.

I would caution against too much reliance on the opinions of outside observers as validation, considering what so many of them had to say about the 2OA pick. Truthfully this situation reminds me of that one, in that it's gonna be months of 'feels good man!' or 'feels bad man' before we can even begin to judge it on anything solid.

 

[Arthuros]

One thing I've learned is that I would never survive in a market like Toronto... All this drama and speculation is annoying lol

If you live in Toronto, the most amusing experience is not supporting the Leafs and just watching the dumpster fire spontaneously begin once the playoffs start.

 

[Dirk316]

Approved by Kesler who realizes the team lacks top 6 physicality

 

[MMC]

 

[Ducks DVM]

Philly had 2 and a half years of player control. Lets not act like he went UFA in 6 months. They had plenty of leverage, and believe it or not, GMs generally dont want to f*** each other over. The Ducks payed the price that it required. Remember, there were 20 teams Gauthier said he would sign with. It isnt like Anaheim was his only spot.

Gauthier is exactly the style of player the forward group is missing, he was available, and Philly had their price.

Luneau doesn't have health concerns. I feel like people are way too quick to say players have health concerns. Health concerns are chronic soft tissue injuries like hamstrings, or back issues, or concussion issues. A torn ACL is not a concern in 2024. Especially at the age of 18. An infection is not a chronic issue. Its a freak accident. As long as he recovers there wont be any lasting issues.

And, to me this says that the Ducks think Gauthier + the guys likely available at the 2024 1st > Drysdale + the guys available at the 2024 1st. Which screams "We think the defensemen likely available to us are way more of an impact then the forwards available to us".

With the caveat that there’s no knowing exactly what is going on, a bacterial infection in a surgical site that has implants is absolutely a long term concern, and ACL surgeries have implants. Septic arthritis in any joint is going to lead to an arthritic situation much earlier.

Again, no idea whatsoever as to what the infection is. Or even if that’s the knee in question. He might just have gotten a superficial staph infection in the other leg that went south. Just pointing out that we cannot say that what he has won’t be a long term issue, because we don’t actually know what’s going on.

 

[robbieboy3686]

View attachment 799534
Approved by Kesler who realizes the team lacks top 6 physicality

Kesler, man I miss having an on ice leader like him around

 

[Anaheim4ever]

What would Drysdale's trade value be if next year the same thing happens he gets injured and misses a ton of games ? Then factor in the logjam at defense would eventually make them have to trade someone else like Zellweger and the Ducks wouldn't have much leverage in the trade because the other teams know the Ducks have to clear a logjam.

 

[Kalv]

Good pre-draft scouting profile/video breakdown of his skill set below:

Decent video.
But the guy's name is Derek Lee? Ha! Not the OG Derek but this one's seem to be nice as well

 

[Zegs2sendhelp]

I don’t think there’s a 32 year old defenseman in the league that would get you a prospect like Gauthier.

I mean that’s what I meant when I said teams wouldn’t want him

 

[ohcomeonref]

Kesler, man I miss having an on ice leader like him around

Gudas is our man now. He's the only one though

 

[Zegs2sendhelp]

View attachment 799534
Approved by Kesler who realizes the team lacks top 6 physicality

Kesler is kinda who gauthier reminds me of, this move def starts to paint pvs image of the roster

 

[Masch78]

Sort of very strange discussion imho.

This is a pure hockey trade and I am totally over someone has to win a trade by a big margin. Why? This is a deal that makes a lot of sense for both parties. And I am a huge fan of what Jamie brings to the table. But with Minty and Luneau coming around earlier as expected we have a good option on the D.

It is also not the case that once we draft someone at #6 he is the real deal and a #1 defender but if Philly gets one at #5 he is an middle 6 guy at best. Cutter is a type of player that do not come around very often. And honestly, "just draft Snuggerud or Kulich instead" is insane. Snuggerud was projected to be somewhere around #18th and went #23rd, Kulich way lower. Gauthier was projected to go #5th an went #5th. And there was a reason for that. That reason still exists. Gauthier is bigger, the best skater, has maybe the best shot of all and has the best 200ft game of all. Plus he can play center and wing. Hockey IQ we will see. Overall, he looks like the total package. The package itself shouts superstar potential.

With Leo, MacT, Z and Cutter and Terry we have an awesome core that differs quite a lot in their skill. Overall I am vey exited about this.

For the upcoming draft, we will see. To me there are more interesting forwards than D. But who knows, if the have a strong tendency to go defence than this trade makes even more sense. We will see.

 

[Masch78]

I'm with those that are critiquing the value. Why pay a premium when Philly had no leverage?

Proven top 4 right shot defensemen are more of a premium than unproven, highly touted offensive forward prospects. But let's throw in a high 2nd rounder to seal the deal.

What's more, Verbeek better be absolutely certain that Luneau, Warren, Zell, etc. pan out. We've all debated on the odds of that happening and I certainly don't like them.

This also unbalances the defense moving forward. Verbeek and Cronin have shown/said they like LHD/RHD pairings. So now Luneau is projected to be our #1 RHD and yet his health is a concern. After that, what? Warren? Good thing he's been durable. So we draft one this year? Neat, can't wait to hear "trust the process" for another few years until we see if that player pans out.

To me, this trade brings a lot more uncertainty and it'll take even more time until we find out the answers. Buckle up, we're in for an even longer and bumpier ride in this rebuild.

Just one question, if Philly shops CG, why do you think they have no leverage? Half of the league or more will go after him. So your bid is up against them, no matter what CG wants to do with Philly. Keith Jones also mentioned more than just on GM whom he thanked for the way they handled it.

The price is not a premium.

Whom did we ice when JD had to sign or was inured this year? Luneau played a hand full of games. And if you have health concerns, you don't have them with Jamie? We will see what they plan to do.

Timewise this changes nothing. You either search for that kind of forward or for a RHD. Toolwise Luneau can be as good as Jamie. Only time will tell.

 

[FiveHoleTickler]

Sort of very strange discussion imho.

This is a pure hockey trade and I am totally over someone has to win a trade by a big margin. Why?

Haven't seen one person say that here.

 

[Dr Johnny Fever]

From the department of "for what it's worth", Pierre thinks Gauthier and/or his agent will try to "clear the air" (in the next few days) about why he didn't want to play in Philly. Appx 2:17 mark of the video.