C Frederik Gauthier (2013, 21st, TOR)

[MiniMoose]

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.

If he can do the program that JVR did to work on his acceleration, than he will be one fast mofo.

 

[frankthetank91]

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

He'll fit right in then. Welcome aboard Freddy.

 

[Jtown]

If he can do the program that JVR did to work on his acceleration, than he will be one fast mofo.

jvr always had wheels. Gauthier is going to struggle to score. Doesn't know how to shield with his body yet

 

[Tyler Biggs*]

Just let the kid play. Why do half of you predict he will fail before he has played a game? He is a kid just starting out and real fans would wish him the best. He is probably a year or two away from playing for the Leafs anyway?

Good luck kid!

 

[Captain Clutch]

jvr always had wheels. Gauthier is going to struggle to score. Doesn't know how to shield with his body yet

He's 6'5 220 lb 19 year old who has good passing skills and already plays a 200 ft game, he's gonna be just fine. He won't be a burner but I can guarantee you'll see him in the NHL in a year or two. He'll figure out the rest, including puck protection.

He's going to be a beast of a 3rd line center

Oh and he was accepted by Harvard, so he's apparently pretty smart as well.

 

[Leafs Win The Cup]

How about some credit for this guy? He took all the huge faceoffs and was elite defensively this tournament. Anyone think he can make the leafs as a 4th line centre next year?

 

[chunkylover53]

How about some credit for this guy? He took all the huge faceoffs and was elite defensively this tournament. Anyone think he can make the leafs as a 4th line centre next year?

Sadly, I don't think he'll be anything more than that. Good size and defensive skills, but he can't move and pretty devoid of offensive skills.

 

[Bill Waters*]

Eliet level 3c. Elite level defence.

 

[chunkylover53]

Eliet level 3c. Elite level defence.

I'd be surprised if he ever becomes an elite 3C... his ceiling might be an 3C...

 

[Plastic Joseph]

Good #3 center.

Nothing more nothing less

 

[Teeder9]

How about some credit for this guy? He took all the huge faceoffs and was elite defensively this tournament. Anyone think he can make the leafs as a 4th line centre next year?

You're in the wrong forum if you want credit for a prospect from other team's fans. Less about acknowledgment and more about the troll

 

[WilliamNylander]

Looked like a good 4C face-off specialist, Jay McClement 2.0

To be a 3C he'll need to work on his speed and develop some offense

 

[salo franchise]

4C or average 3C

 

[Stand Witness]

How about some credit for this guy? He took all the huge faceoffs and was elite defensively this tournament. Anyone think he can make the leafs as a 4th line centre next year?

Yes and he probably would be perfect for the role but we really shouldn't do it. I'd say he is a lock for an NHL career, just how impacting and important it is will be up to him and the development the Leafs give him.

Let him develop his offense in the minors. If it doesn't come around in a year or two then he can make the jump and limit him to a #4 center. We should try and maximize him to be a #3C who can fill into the #2C role for short times when needed.

Hopefully he goes back to the Q with a lot of confidence right now.

 

[Plastic Joseph]

Yes and he probably would be perfect for the role but we really shouldn't do it.

Let him develop his offense in the minors. If it doesn't come around in a year or two then he can make the jump and limit him to a #4 center. We should try and maximize him to be a #3C who can fill into the #2C role.

Hopefully he goes back to the Q with a lot of confidence right now.

Were talking about a player who never had offensive ability to begin with.

I say he should make the NHL next season and continue to grow as a defensive Center like couturier did in Philly.

 

[Semantics]

Have a hard time seeing him as a 3C, he doesn't have the skill to do anything with the puck besides chip it out of the defensive zone.

I agree with WilliamNylander, 4C faceoff/PK specialist aka Jay McClement 2.0. Jay had similar junior stats.

 

[WilliamNylander]

I don't think he should play in the NHL next season, especially if Randy is still coaching.

3-4 mins/game in the NHL or 18-20 mins in the AHL? Easy choice for developing him

 

[Liminality]

I don't think he should play in the NHL next season, especially if Randy is still coaching.

3-4 mins/game in the NHL or 18-20 mins in the AHL? Easy choice for developing him

Agreed, keep him developing and improving. Mostly his skating agility and stick handling.

 

[KGL]

I don't think he should play in the NHL next season, especially if Randy is still coaching.

3-4 mins/game in the NHL or 18-20 mins in the AHL? Easy choice for developing him

Easy choice for sure. I have no problem with the Leafs taking their sweet time with him. Give him a year (or maybe even two) in the AHL and then he may be ready.

 

[SmoggyTwinkles]

I don't think he should play in the NHL next season, especially if Randy is still coaching.

3-4 mins/game in the NHL or 18-20 mins in the AHL? Easy choice for developing him

Oh absolutely he spends at least a year or two in the AHL.

He might be a really useful, cost controlled player. Coaches love shutdown guys who win faceoffs.

What was his TOI tonight?

 

[Oil For The Boys]

How about some credit for this guy? He took all the huge faceoffs and was elite defensively this tournament. Anyone think he can make the leafs as a 4th line centre next year?

And he lost them.

There was a reason Sam Reinhart was taking them at the end and he wasn't.

 

[Stand Witness]

Were talking about a player who never had offensive ability to begin with.

I say he should make the NHL next season and continue to grow as a defensive Center like couturier did in Philly.

I'd still try and develop his offensive game a bit. With direction of Leaf management and coaching staff we can pinpoint things to work on. If management wants to he can be put his offensive players in the AHL to try and get him going. He is great on the cycle but he really needs to work on his shot and hands. Fortunately those are physical skills which can still be developed. He may never get the hands but he can definitely improve his shot.

A 10/30 or 15/25 #3C with his defensive ability could be considered elite. I'd be happy with 10/20 though.

I don't think the Leafs are the right place to put him in as early as next year unless there are big changes. We are too much of a gong show.

 

[TT1]

im sure he'll be a decent AHL player at the very least, alot of teams need a faceoff specialist...

 

[WilliamNylander]

And he lost them.

There was a reason Sam Reinhart was taking them at the end and he wasn't.

When there's an icing you can't change players

 

[VanNistelrooy]

And he lost them.

There was a reason Sam Reinhart was taking them at the end and he wasn't.

That's because the faceoffs were on the right side, Reinhart is a rightie.