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it is just perception catching up with reality - fans often base their perception on rankings that are clearly out of date at this point.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 But most available rankings that people have imagined in their head are simply outdated.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.”
