C Cutter Gauthier - (2022, 5th, PHI; traded to ANA)

[OgeeOgelthorpe]

How does he compare to Mason Mctavish from last year? Both were initially seen as goal scoring wingers to start their draft years but transited to big decent skating centres with some bite to their game.

Gauthier is clearly the better skater. His straight line speed is really impressive.
Gauthier is not as good a shooter, but that's because Mason will probably walk into the NHL with an elite shot even by league standards.
McTavish probably has better hockey IQ now but it's hard to say because Gauthier has played the majority of this year on wing. I guess we'll see after BC converts Gauthier to center?
Both are pretty physical but I think McTavish has more meanness to his game.

Honestly it's tough to say. I compared McTavish to Anders Lee previously, and Gauthier to Kreider. Both are premium power forward types. Pick your poison?

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

When you can get a player like Chris Kreider, you do it.

He’s more like Dvorak. Gauthier isn’t this physical beast people are stating. He’s a good two way center. Not much more.

 

[OgeeOgelthorpe]

He’s more like Dvorak. Gauthier isn’t this physical beast people are stating. He’s a good two way center. Not much more.

Yeah, I'm 99% convinced you haven't watched him if you think that.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

Yeah, I'm 99% convinced you haven't watched him if you think that.

Says the guy comparing him to one of the strongest and fastest forwards in the league who is a PP specialist for tipping pucks right in front of the net. Gauthier is nothing like Kreider. Not even close.

If I haven’t watched Gauthier play, which obviously I have, you haven’t watched Gauthier or Kreider.

 

[bsu]

Scheifele is a good comparsion. I think he will be a center at the nhl level and will have a great season at center at BC next year.

 

[OgeeOgelthorpe]

Says the guy comparing him to one of the strongest and fastest forwards in the league who is a PP specialist for tipping pucks right in front of the net. Gauthier is nothing like Kreider. Not even close.

If I haven’t watched Gauthier play, which obviously I have, you haven’t watched Gauthier or Kreider.

Comparing a big strong fast winger to another big strong fast winger is a mismatch?

Also if you look through this thread you'll see I'm not the only one who has said that. Comparing him to Christian Dvorak, a run of the mill 2nd/3rd line tweener center that doesn't really have any standout skills is completely underrating Gauthier.

 

[majormajor]

He’s more like Dvorak. Gauthier isn’t this physical beast people are stating. He’s a good two way center. Not much more.

Yeah, I'm 99% convinced you haven't watched him if you think that.

From the games I've seen Gauthier doesn't play like an NHL power forward yet. But a lot of them didn't at that age either, I'm confident in him to learn how to use his frame more effectively.

 

[OgeeOgelthorpe]

From the games I've seen Gauthier doesn't play like an NHL power forward yet. But a lot of them didn't at that age either, I'm confident in him to learn how to use his frame more effectively.

That's why I make the Kreider comparison. Gauthier is physical but it's not THE defining trait in his game. Kreider was very much the same way. Fast on the forecheck or when carrying the puck to the offensive zone, but once there would pass to a linemate and start going to the net or working to get open for a shot.

There's certainly some inconsistency in Gauthier's game but there was someone on a podcast from the NTDP that talked about how Cutter was working on that.

 

[Wintersun]

Always find it curious that some players rise quickly when they stop playing games. When he was playing, Gauthier was considered a 10 to 20 overall pick by most. The guy hasn't played a single game since then, and people rave and hope to pick him around 5 to 8 overall all of a sudden.

(Nothing against the player, just something I've noticed).

 

[BKarchitect]

Always find it curious that some players rise quickly when they stop playing games. When he was playing, Gauthier was considered a 10 to 20 overall pick by most. The guy hasn't played a single game since then, and people rave and hope to pick him around 5 to 8 overall all of a sudden.

(Nothing against the player, just something I've noticed).

Probably a combination of factors.

- Sometimes it is just perception catching up with reality - fans often base their perception on rankings that are clearly out of date at this point. That’s not to say there aren’t lots of good scouting reports available for most of these guys and there can still be some genuine disagreements. But most available rankings that people have imagined in their head are simply outdated.

- I think during the season we often get wrapped up in statistical performance or micro-viewings of prospects and those tend to weight heavily on who is getting discussed…but scouting for the NHL is a projection game - and a guy like Gauthier stands out with a lot of qualities that make him both a safe pick and one with potentially a lot of upside. That’s a nice combo to have. His ability to “project” as a big, strong two-way center is juicy.

- I don’t think we’ve gotten to the point that the NFL has with the combine and “combine stars”…but Gauthier’s performance levels last week were among the best if not maybe the best overall. Yes, it’s possible to be a wagon and still suck at hockey but Gauthier clearly has both hockey skills and physical test levels that indicate a young person who takes his training very seriously and is building the best possible base to structure his future hockey playing career. I hate to say it - because I think he’s a great player and obviously a lot stronger than his size indicates - but when Kemell clocks in at under 5-9 and then you have Gauthier just an absolute unit nearby - there is some visceral reaction to that IMO. Of course - absolutely stupid to base a decision on something like that but it can definitely start to shape a discussion…

“This kid has a great season in Europe playing against men. He short and stocky - on the smallish side but strong enough. Pure winger. Has a nose for the net but will have to adapt to North American play.”

“This other kid….built like a brick shithouse and can skate really well…not real proven at higher levels. But has shown real quality two-way play, projects as a center and is attending a premier NCAA school next season.”

 

[SAK11]

Always find it curious that some players rise quickly when they stop playing games. When he was playing, Gauthier was considered a 10 to 20 overall pick by most. The guy hasn't played a single game since then, and people rave and hope to pick him around 5 to 8 overall all of a sudden.

(Nothing against the player, just something I've noticed).

Central Scouting had him 3rd among North American Skaters right after his year ended. Button put him 7th around that time, too. He started the year ranked lower for sure, but he had himself a real nice year. You go back in this thread and you'll see a few people hyping him up months ago. Especially when Cooley was out and he was playing like a top centre during that time, scouts probably loved that. Rankings can become outdated pretty quickly. Maybe he got somewhat of a bump as people started to project these kids more instead of just looking at how they play in their respective leagues, but I'd say he mainly jumped up because of his play.

 

[GermanSpitfire]

Probably a combination of factors.

- Sometimes it is just perception catching up with reality - fans often base their perception on rankings that are clearly out of date at this point. That’s not to say there aren’t lots of good scouting reports available for most of these guys and there can still be some genuine disagreements. But most available rankings that people have imagined in their head are simply outdated.

- I think during the season we often get wrapped up in statistical performance or micro-viewings of prospects and those tend to weight heavily on who is getting discussed…but scouting for the NHL is a projection game - and a guy like Gauthier stands out with a lot of qualities that make him both a safe pick and one with potentially a lot of upside. That’s a nice combo to have. His ability to “project” as a big, strong two-way center is juicy.

- I don’t think we’ve gotten to the point that the NFL has with the combine and “combine stars”…but Gauthier’s performance levels last week were among the best if not maybe the best overall. Yes, it’s possible to be a wagon and still suck at hockey but Gauthier clearly has both hockey skills and physical test levels that indicate a young person who takes his training very seriously and is building the best possible base to structure his future hockey playing career. I hate to say it - because I think he’s a great player and obviously a lot stronger than his size indicates - but when Kemell clocks in at under 5-9 and then you have Gauthier just an absolute unit nearby - there is some visceral reaction to that IMO. Of course - absolutely stupid to base a decision on something like that but it can definitely start to shape a discussion…

“This kid has a great season in Europe playing against men. He short and stocky - on the smallish side but strong enough. Pure winger. Has a nose for the net but will have to adapt to North American play.”

“This other kid….built like a brick shithouse and can skate really well…not real proven at higher levels. But has shown real quality two-way play, projects as a center and is attending a premier NCAA school next season.”

Very good post. Wish I could like it more than once.

 

[haulinbass]

I'm going to do more of a projection comparison with Larkin

I think Gauthier can play center in the NHL. Hes very well rounded but not spectacular anywhere much like Larkin was. Obviously Larkin is a 30+/30+ type of split producer. I think most of their skillset level is very similar but Larkin being the better skater and Gauthier having a little better shot/goal scoring instincts. Larkin produces a lot of goals off the opportunity his skating ability creates whereas Gauthier knows how put himself into shooting position to get a shot off.

Keep in mind Larkin absolutely exceeded all expectations and had a paved road to 1C as long as he was up for the task. He may not be a high end 1C but he surely is a legit 1C. His immense work ethics and determination each shift gave him the ability to elevate his game one more notch to where he is today. Larkin projected to be more of a 2C at the time, which is where I project Gauthier. Depending on how his strength develops and how far he can push his shooting ability, he certainly could end up on the high side and being at the same level as Larkin. But realisticly I'm going to project him as a 2C with 3C being his low end. I see a player here who certainly carves a NHL career to some capacity. I don't see anything in his game that would likely hold him back from being able to play at that level.

Gauthier has good confidants with the puck on the PP handling in close proximity of the defenders, making him a pretty solid puck disturber with a high threat of a shot. Solid ability to carry the puck up the ice, seems to have very good instincts on where to be on the ice to be involved in the play in all circumstances.

Certainly a player who will need some development time, but it will be interesting to see how he progresses. I think he is a candidate to have a big season in the NCAA. As far as I know about Bostons roster next season, he should have the opportunity to take a big role.

 

[OgeeOgelthorpe]

I'm going to do more of a projection comparison with Larkin

I think Gauthier can play center in the NHL. Hes very well rounded but not spectacular anywhere much like Larkin was. Obviously Larkin is a 30+/30+ type of split producer. I think most of their skillset level is very similar but Larkin being the better skater and Gauthier having a little better shot/goal scoring instincts. Larkin produces a lot of goals off the opportunity his skating ability creates whereas Gauthier knows how put himself into shooting position to get a shot off.

Keep in mind Larkin absolutely exceeded all expectations and had a paved road to 1C as long as he was up for the task. He may not be a high end 1C but he surely is a legit 1C. His immense work ethics and determination each shift gave him the ability to elevate his game one more notch to where he is today. Larkin projected to be more of a 2C at the time, which is where I project Gauthier. Depending on how his strength develops and how far he can push his shooting ability, he certainly could end up on the high side and being at the same level as Larkin. But realisticly I'm going to project him as a 2C with 3C being his low end. I see a player here who certainly carves a NHL career to some capacity. I don't see anything in his game that would likely hold him back from being able to play at that level.

Gauthier has good confidants with the puck on the PP handling in close proximity of the defenders, making him a pretty solid puck disturber with a high threat of a shot. Solid ability to carry the puck up the ice, seems to have very good instincts on where to be on the ice to be involved in the play in all circumstances.

Certainly a player who will need some development time, but it will be interesting to see how he progresses. I think he is a candidate to have a big season in the NCAA. As far as I know about Bostons roster next season, he should have the opportunity to take a big role.

His shot is way better than Larkin's in his draft year. But otherwise I think you're not far off.
Dylan Larkin – The Next Ones: NHL 2014 Draft Prospect Profile

2014 NHL Draft Prospect: Dylan Larkin

Larkin's main problem is that most players don't think he has the offensive upside compared to other USHL players like Sonny Milano. His most likely potential will be as a good two way centre who shouldn't be relied upon to produce tonnes of points.

 

[bsu]

Mark Scheifele type

 

[newfy]

Always find it curious that some players rise quickly when they stop playing games. When he was playing, Gauthier was considered a 10 to 20 overall pick by most. The guy hasn't played a single game since then, and people rave and hope to pick him around 5 to 8 overall all of a sudden.

(Nothing against the player, just something I've noticed).

I think a lot of it is "internet scouts" start to hear stuff from actual NHL scouting circles and it reflects on their lists. When you hear about a late riser going this high on mocks, expect them to go even higher at the actual draft. Happened to guys like Seider an Scheifele, dont be surprised when it happens to Gauthier either

 

[Ed Ned and Leddy]

I like him, but is he really that much better than McGroarty?

The NTDP’s two best forwards in my opinion.

 

[BKarchitect]

I think a lot of it is "internet scouts" start to hear stuff from actual NHL scouting circles and it reflects on their lists. When you hear about a late riser going this high on mocks, expect them to go even higher at the actual draft. Happened to guys like Seider an Scheifele, dont be surprised when it happens to Gauthier either

Agreed. I always go by the adage - “expect the risers to keep rising all the way to draft day and the fallers to keep falling”.

If you go by that rule, you’ll find a lot less that surprises you in the day of the draft. And you’ll be less likely to instinctively label somebody a “reach” or a “steal” based on your built-in notion of where they started their draft year at…which is not all that relevant come draft day.

 

[RefsIdeas]

Maybe somebody can help me out here. I’m a Sabres fan so Gauthier has been firmly on my radar for a while. I’ve tried to watch as much as possible - but I absolutely do not see where the him playing C at the NHL level comes from.

I know he’s going to start there in college - but in the vast majority of my viewings - the puck really isn’t on his stick for long. He has a great shot, is big, fast, physical etc - but I really don’t see the playmaking ability. If there’s a video out there or particular game that might help change my opinion I would love to see it (I’m hoping to be wrong!).

 

[Dion TheFluff]

Maybe somebody can help me out here. I’m a Sabres fan so Gauthier has been firmly on my radar for a while. I’ve tried to watch as much as possible - but I absolutely do not see where the him playing C at the NHL level comes from.

I know he’s going to start there in college - but in the vast majority of my viewings - the puck really isn’t on his stick for long. He has a great shot, is big, fast, physical etc - but I really don’t see the playmaking ability. If there’s a video out there or particular game that might help change my opinion I would love to see it (I’m hoping to be wrong!).

haven't really seen this from him either TBH. Seems to have fairly poor vision and will pretty much just shoot it once advancing the zone regardless of how of low the shot quality might be.

 

[bsu]

Maybe somebody can help me out here. I’m a Sabres fan so Gauthier has been firmly on my radar for a while. I’ve tried to watch as much as possible - but I absolutely do not see where the him playing C at the NHL level comes from.

I know he’s going to start there in college - but in the vast majority of my viewings - the puck really isn’t on his stick for long. He has a great shot, is big, fast, physical etc - but I really don’t see the playmaking ability. If there’s a video out there or particular game that might help change my opinion I would love to see it (I’m hoping to be wrong!).

Watch Mark Scheifele highlights and that's what you're hoping for.

 

[LastWordArmy]

Versatile forward Cutter Gauthier was a big part of the U.S. team that won a silver medal at the IIHF Under-18 World Championships. He scored three goals and six assists for nine points in six tournament games. Playing for the US NTDP Under-18s, Gauthier scored 34 goals and 31 assists for 65 points in 54 games this season. In 2020-21, Gauthier played for the NTDP U17s. He scored 20 goals and 17 assists for 37 points in 40 games. In 2020, he played for Team USA at the Youth Olympic Games. He picked up one goal in four games and helped the American squad to a silver medal.

Cutter Gauthier Scouting Report: 2022 NHL Draft #10

Cutter Gauthier Scouting Report: Gauthier played for the US National Team Development Program, helping them to silver at the Under 18s.

lastwordonsports.com

 

[flashsabre]

As a few have mentioned, some players start to rise in the ranking after games are over because the closer we get to a draft the more the insiders hear from the actual scouts to her what the actual teams are thinking.

A guy with Gauthier’s size, speed and skill is very sought after in NHL circles.

As much as amateur internet scouts like to look at 5’9 forwards with great exits and entries, NHL teams still look for heavy players with skill. Unless the 5’9 guy is much much better then the 6’3 guy NHL front offices will lean to the bigger , heavier guy with upside.

 

[Flames1234]

How high does Cutter go?

Philly? CBJ? OTT?

 

[BB88]

How high does Cutter go?

Philly? CBJ? OTT?

Good bet would be either Flyers or Columbus take him