C Frederik Gauthier (2013, 21st, TOR)

[theIceWookie]

For discussion, here is what one prominent scout wrote for Gauthier in his Final Ranking before the draft. Don't shoot the messenger folks.

One scout does not a future upside make. It's a good thing to look at but just because one guy is saying it, it doesn't make it true. I guess you finally settled on your new "Grabovski"?

And who was the scout?

 

[The Winter Soldier]

One scout does not a future upside make. It's a good thing to look at but just because one guy is saying it, it doesn't make it true. I guess you finally settled on your new "Grabovski"?

And who was the scout?

The scout was Director of North American Scouting. Mark Seidel.

BTW Seidel pointed out he was phenomenal defensively, you would agree with this no doubt.

 

[JESSEWENEEDTOCOOK]

For discussion, here is what one prominent scout wrote for Gauthier in his Final Ranking before the draft. Don't shoot the messenger folks.

Um, link?

 

[The Winter Soldier]

Um, link?

You won't find it posted, it is sent directly via PDF from NACS to their contacts.

 

[Sundinisagod]

I can live with Gauther being a 40 point, 3rd line C, defensive specialist. I think it's a fair projection based on his play in the Q to date, doesn't mean he can't upgrade that projection with a breakout season.

 

[Patmac40]

I can live with Gauther being a 40 point, 3rd line C, defensive specialist. I think it's a fair projection based on his play in the Q to date, doesn't mean he can't upgrade that projection with a breakout season.

If he's a 3rd line C defensive specialist, his absolute highest point total will be ~40. He'd have to be a 2C to consistently put up those numbers and more IMO.

 

[Sundinisagod]

If he's a 3rd line C defensive specialist, his absolute highest point total will be ~40. He'd have to be a 2C to consistently put up those numbers and more IMO.

I guess I see him as a high end 3rd line C...then again I'm expecting our current 3rd line center to break 40 like it ain't a thing.

 

[Hawaiinleaf]

Can we let him have this year to prove what he can do he is already miles ahead of anyone else on Defense

 

[Patmac40]

I guess I see him as a high end 3rd line C...then again I'm expecting our current 3rd line center to break 40 like it ain't a thing.

Yeah it's just a guy who's a 3C defensive specialist would need to be on the 2nd PP unit to get those numbers, IMO. I see him becoming a 2nd liner in the end and being like Hanzal when all is said and done. And although Hanzal hasn't hit 40 pts yet, I think this is the year he does it with ease.

 

[StuckOutHere]

Started very slow with just 2 points in 5 games, rebounded nicely since picking up 6 in his last 5. Also, FO% increased by over 10% in the last 5 games. Maybe a slow starter.

 

[mitolo8]

I feel that his defensive game will become elite as other posters have mentioned. Clearly, this places less emphasis on his point production as some here have gone on about... BTW I thought that the Leafs picking him was a shrewd pick as he is just what the team needs (besides being a number 1 centre).

 

[Leaf Rocket]

Still want to see how offensively he can play. From the games I'm watching he's been primarily a passer nothing else tbh.

 

[Radiohead]

Still want to see how offensively he can play. From the games I'm watching he's been primarily a passer nothing else tbh.

Draft scouting reports suggested that his shot was slightly above average.

 

[Sartorial]

Draft scouting reports suggested that his shot was slightly above average.

Source?

I've heard the opposite (slightly below average).

 

[Highlander23]

4 pts tonight for big Fred !!

 

[Stats01]

I don't understand where this mis conception comes from that he he has this low ceiling offensive side to him. Just because he's an elite defensive center doesn't mean he can't put up points. I think he blows people out of the water with all the low expectations and blossoms into a stud #2 C down the road. He put up 4 points today.

 

[Stats01]

I should say he will People on here don't give him enough credit for his scoring ability.

 

[Face Of Bear]

Gauthier will not be an offensive force in the NHL; probably a 30 point player tops

 

[Pi]

I don't understand where this mis conception comes from that he he has this low ceiling offensive side to him. Just because he's an elite defensive center doesn't mean he can't put up points. I think he blows people out of the water with all the low expectations and blossoms into a stud #2 C down the road. He put up 4 points today.

I don't get it either.

Gauthier was very impressive on both sides of the puck at camp...he really makes a living off making great passes from the back or near the net.

Gauthier is a stud. I love the pick...people panicking because he didn't put up PPG, 7-8 games into the season are stupid...

Last year was his rookie year and he put up great points putting that into consideration. This year, he'll probably hover ~1-1.2 PPG.

NHL coaches are going to fall in love with Gauthier.

 

[7even]

Gauthier will not be an offensive force in the NHL; probably a 30 point player tops

Based on...?

 

[Coaches Coroner]

Gauthier will not be an offensive force in the NHL; probably a 30 point player tops

Have you seen him play? Only asking because too many people think there opinion matters enough for them to make definitive conclusions, usually only on what they have read/heard and maybe seen on YouTube. This doesn't just go for Gauthier, too many people lacking in knowledge think they know everything about a player.

Some posters have been on him after every 2-3 games of non-scoring, claiming to simply be tracking his progress, and labeling him a bad choice. But a few games of high production in a row, and the same people don't post about how well he's been playing. I'm not sure what I think he will max out at in the future because I haven't seen him enough. Certainly won't label him offensively limited based on a handful of games, nor will I think he has crazy offensive potential based on a handful of great games point production wise. Stats are important, but not as definitive for all players across the board as some people think.

 

[The Winter Soldier]

Good of Freddy to bank a few points the last 7 days.

However, let's temper our optimism because 7 of his 13 points this season have come against SHAW and SHER the last 7 days, the 2 worst teams in the QMJHL.

Was held pointless again today against the #1 team.

So there is good and bad, and context to his production.

 

[613Leafer]

Gauthier will not be an offensive force in the NHL; probably a 30 point player tops

The offence with him is and will continue to be a hope for Leaf fans. There definitely should not be any expectations of him becoming a legitimate top 6 forward.

Defensively he's very solid, so should hopefully at least become a good 3rd line C for us. Obviously we'd all like to see him break out offensively though the same way Verhaeghe is at the moment.

 

[The Magic Man]

Good of Freddy to bank a few points the last 7 days.

However, let's temper our optimism because 7 of his 13 points this season have come against SHAW and SHER the last 7 days, the 2 worst teams in the QMJHL.

Was held pointless again today against the #1 team.

So there is good and bad, and context to his production.

The most important thing is he was sound defensively against the #1 team. 15/25 on the faceoff with an E +/- and 2 good scoring chances. There best players were held scoreless, as mostly depth guys did all the scoring for both teams.

I know some like to focus on the bad, but Gauthier will likely be a 3C that his coach will love. His upside is Selke contention due to his shut down skills, not solid two way play with 30 goals. He's not a scoring forward.

But as I've said to you and others in the past, I value intangibles like his more then one dimensional secondary scorers.

 

[The Winter Soldier]

The most important thing is he was sound defensively against the #1 team. 15/25 on the faceoff with an E +/- and 2 good scoring chances. There best players were held scoreless, as mostly depth guys did all the scoring for both teams.

I know some like to focus on the bad, but Gauthier will likely be a 3C that his coach will love. His upside is Selke contention due to his shut down skills, not solid two way play with 30 goals. He's not a scoring forward.

But as I've said to you and others in the past, I value intangibles like his more then one dimensional secondary scorers.

If Gauthier becomes a really good #3C for us, I can live with it that with our other Center picked from the same draft Verhaeghe playing lights out for Niagara this year.

I hope Freddy can develop a meaness to his game, with his size, it can be a major plus for us if he can.

I am still holding out he can hit 80 points this season, if he does and plays his sound 2 way game, I think Leafs fans will be happy.