C Frederik Gauthier (2013, 21st, TOR)

[IranCondraAffair]

I remember when people called Kesler nothing more than a 3rd line guy when he was drafted. Things change, people need to be patient.

If he continues for another season it could be bad though. The good news is that Shinkaruk hasn't been lighting it because of injuries, so you don't have a bunch of fans rushing to judgement.

In fact, it's kind of lucky he was selected after Mantha because the whining would have been unbearable.

 

[Madic]

I remember when people called Kesler nothing more than a 3rd line guy when he was drafted. Things change, people need to be patient.

If he continues for another season it could be bad though. The good news is that Shinkaruk hasn't been lighting it because of injuries, so you don't have a bunch of fans rushing to judgement.

In fact, it's kind of lucky he was selected after Mantha because the whining would have been unbearable.

You've never visited the Leaf board, have you? He's probably gone from bust to legitimate prospect and back again 3 times this season. Hfboards is hilarious.

 

[Sundinisagod]

11 goals, 26 points, +18, 58 shots in his last 21 games.

That's more like it

 

[Captain Clutch]

I sort of view Gauthier as being a big physical two way center with a relatively tight range of potential outcomes. He is going to get into the NHL on his face-offs and passing as well as his defensive play. I think he ends up being somehweher in the range of

Brian Boyle: if he doesn't develop as well as you would hope offensively and ends up centering the 3rd or 4th line

TO

Martin Hanzal: if he continues to develop while adding a physical edge to his game. I really don't see him centering a scoring line but I think a 3rd line center with good vision and passing abilities is a great and rare thing to find, so that would be good.

 

[Future]

Either way, If he doesn't develop his offensive side of his game and turns out as a 3rd line centre... think how valuable a 6'5" 220lbs defensive beast of a centre that can also skate would be to any team in the league. He'd be a player every team would covet regardless and a player that is simply hard to find in the league. He might not put up sexy numbers but he'd be helpful in getting a team a cup.

I look at a guy like Sean Couturier. Although he put up huge numbers in junior and probably has more offensive upside than what he's shown in the NHL, right now at this moment he is one of the most important players on his team playing outside the top 6 and shutting down top players and just finding a way to contribute. I mean even if he doesn't develop his offense he is one hell of a player. If Gauthier can have that type of impact than that would be great out of a first round selection.

 

[Captain Clutch]

Either way, If he doesn't develop his offensive side of his game and turns out as a 3rd line centre... think how valuable a 6'5" 220lbs defensive beast of a centre that can also skate would be to any team in the league. He'd be a player every team would covet regardless and a player that is simply hard to find in the league. He might not put up sexy numbers but he'd be helpful in getting a team a cup.

I agree completely, I think his passing is vastly underrated based on my limited viewings of him, he really does have a great eye for his teammates and plays the game with his head up, which is not common for a guy his size.

 

[Stats01]

I sort of view Gauthier as being a big physical two way center with a relatively tight range of potential outcomes. He is going to get into the NHL on his face-offs and passing as well as his defensive play. I think he ends up being somehweher in the range of

Brian Boyle: if he doesn't develop as well as you would hope offensively and ends up centering the 3rd or 4th line

TO

Martin Hanzal: if he continues to develop while adding a physical edge to his game. I really don't see him centering a scoring line but I think a 3rd line center with good vision and passing abilities is a great and rare thing to find, so that would be good.

He's going to be a better player than Brian freaking Boyle I'll tell you that much. His potential isn't the highest around right now but let's not over-eaggerate. He has the size, and raw skills to become a #2 C eventually. People have to remember he's 18 years old at 6 ft 5 and 220 lbs!, it takes a kid a while to get used to how strong he is and get used to using his body the way he should. He's finally starting to come around this season which is very encouraging. I'm going to hold off any judgements until next season. He is as raw as they come. He's going to need a lot of patience from people. He won't be ready for at least 3 years IMO. When he is ready for the NHL he's going to dominate, you can't teach the size he has. The kid is massive. Also I heard people say he's not a great skater..not sure what they're watching because for a kid that big he can skate pretty fast.

 

[Stats01]

Either way, If he doesn't develop his offensive side of his game and turns out as a 3rd line centre... think how valuable a 6'5" 220lbs defensive beast of a centre that can also skate would be to any team in the league. He'd be a player every team would covet regardless and a player that is simply hard to find in the league. He might not put up sexy numbers but he'd be helpful in getting a team a cup.

I look at a guy like Sean Couturier. Although he put up huge numbers in junior and probably has more offensive upside than what he's shown in the NHL, right now at this moment he is one of the most important players on his team playing outside the top 6 and shutting down top players and just finding a way to contribute. I mean even if he doesn't develop his offense he is one hell of a player. If Gauthier can have that type of impact than that would be great out of a first round selection.

He's at least a #3 C right now IMO, but there is so much room for him to grow as a player. I think the more he matures and starts to realize he can lean on people and use his body better his offence will get even better. I think #2 C down the road isn't out of the question. I hate how people are just looking at stats and limiting his potential to #3 or #4 C. Kind of ridiculous. The more I think about it the more I like the pick. Having a kid with his size down the middle, if he could ever dominate at the circle in important situations in the offensive zone and defensive zone he can use his size to his advantage. There's nothing stopping him from being the best that he can be.

 

[StuckOutHere]

I have been saying Jarrett Stoll since before the Leafs drafted him.

 

[Love]

I have been saying Jarrett Stoll since before the Leafs drafted him.

I dont know about that... Gauthier is quite a bit bigger, and doesnt have anywhere near the offensive ability of Stoll.

Stoll's Junior season the year after he was drafted: 62GP 40G 66A 106PTS

Gauthier's Junior season the year after he was drafted: 54GP 18G 34A 52PTS


Stoll is also pretty elite on faceoffs, and Gauthier is just decent.

 

[StuckOutHere]

I dont know about that... Gauthier is quite a bit bigger, and doesnt have anywhere near the offensive ability of Stoll.

Stoll's Junior season the year after he was drafted: 62GP 40G 66A 106PTS

Gauthier's Junior season the year after he was drafted: 54GP 18G 34A 52PTS


Stoll is also pretty elite on faceoffs, and Gauthier is just decent.

I generally find that comparing ~10 year old CHL stats to recent CHL stats is not very reliable. Add in the fact Stoll had far more pure hockey experience before Gauthier at a similar age I'm not surprised he had more junior points.

My comp is more in terms of role. 2C/3C, who, if placed in the right circumstances and with the right players, could have a career year in the 55-70 point range. Otherwise, good to great defensive game with faceoff value.

I don't expect him to get a boatload of points unless he plays on a team or line that really emphasizes the cycle game. That is where Gauthier could eventually shine.

 

[The Podium]

I dont know about that... Gauthier is quite a bit bigger, and doesnt have anywhere near the offensive ability of Stoll.

Stoll's Junior season the year after he was drafted: 62GP 40G 66A 106PTS

Gauthier's Junior season the year after he was drafted: 54GP 18G 34A 52PTS


Stoll is also pretty elite on faceoffs, and Gauthier is just decent.

Stoll also did that in his third year of junior after posting just over a point per game in season 2 while Gauthier had just completed his 2nd season.

 

[StuckOutHere]

Stoll also did that in his third year of junior after posting just over a point per game in season 2 while Gauthier had just completed his 2nd season.

Regardless, these leagues have improved by miles in the last 15 years(especially the Q). The comparison (in terms of CHL stats) is null and void in my opinion.

 

[Patmac40]

Rimouski and Blainville will play in game 7 tonight.

So far in the playoffs, through 10 games, Fred has 3 goals, 5 assists, is a +7 and is 58.1% of faceoffs.

 

[Stats01]

Stoll also did that in his third year of junior after posting just over a point per game in season 2 while Gauthier had just completed his 2nd season.

Stoll has been in the NHL for like 12-15 years...how can you even compare what the league was back then to now? lol silly comment.

 

[StuckOutHere]

Rimouski and Blainville will play in game 7 tonight.

So far in the playoffs, through 10 games, Fred has 3 goals, 5 assists, is a +7 and is 58.1% of faceoffs.

By all reports he has been a real difference maker in the series. Good to see him step it up.

 

[Patmac40]

By all reports he has been a real difference maker in the series. Good to see him step it up.

I've watched some online this series and he looks how I'd want him to look. Solid in the dot, strong along the boards, great defensively, and he's starting to shoot more too.

 

[HarrisonFord]

I've watched some online this series and he looks how I'd want him to look. Solid in the dot, strong along the boards, great defensively, and he's starting to shoot more too.

Having watched his playoffs from the QMJHL website game log the next day, I'm very encouraged to find him in the top 2 stars of the game these playoffs. Including a 2nd star last night with only 1 assist in the game. Shows just how much of an impact he must be having on the little areas in addition to the 8 points in 10 games.

 

[Jtown]

I've watched all of rimouski's televised Playoff games. I think toronto got a potential shutdown guy who can match up against big centers. That is something TML needs. The one area of concern I have about his d game is that he has a slow initial stride. It usually takes him a few strides to get to top end speed but once he is at top speed he is a blaze.

 

[FreeBird]

I've watched all of rimouski's televised Playoff games. I think toronto got a potential shutdown guy who can match up against big centers. That is something TML needs. The one area of concern I have about his d game is that he has a slow initial stride. It usually takes him a few strides to get to top end speed but once he is at top speed he is a blaze.

How has Morin looked?

 

[Jtown]

How has Morin looked?

Exact opposite of what i expected to be honest. He looks like an offensive dman that needs work in his own zone. When the play is in his own zone he stands to erect and is flat footed to be of any use.

WHen Kostalek was out due to injury at the beginning of the playoffs and at the wjc morin was a ppg player. His one timer went from a dud to an absolute bomb that he can get off with no problem.

 

[Maccer]

He can't spell Physical.

 

[Sonny21]

I've watched all of rimouski's televised Playoff games. I think toronto got a potential shutdown guy who can match up against big centers. That is something TML needs. The one area of concern I have about his d game is that he has a slow initial stride. It usually takes him a few strides to get to top end speed but once he is at top speed he is a blaze.

You're right, he does need to improve his initial stride. He actually has good speed once he gets going.

 

[BruinsBtn]

Gauthier is going to remember this Game 7 forever. It's in OT now at 7-7. Most insane game i've ever seen.

 

[BruinsBtn]

Ouch, won't be a good memory. Bad pinch and Gauthier beat up the ice. Choked away a 4-0 lead.