C Nathan Gaucher - Quebec Remparts, QMJHL (2022, 22nd, ANA)

[DatDude44]

Based on pure offensive upsided and given guys like snuggerud were still on the board, i understand the didsdain towards the pick/player.

But looking at the Ducks from a team composition point of view. They're going to build around Zegras, terry, mctavish, Leo, etc.... A guy like Gaucher in the fold as a probable 3C, PK guy net front Powerplay type makes alot of sense from that lense. Still personally don't like that route in the 1st rd of drafts, but perspective wise I get it for Anaheim.

 

[tomd]

He's definitely going to play in the NHL but he absolutely needs to improve on his skating and especially his puck skills (which are very below average for the NHL IMO).

If he makes gigantic strides in those areas his upside could be a Lawton Crouse type. If he makes moderate strides he could be a Nic Roy type. If he makes minimal strides he'll be Derek Grant.

 

[Kalv]

It doesn't suck being Nathan Gaucher in the last year.

NHL 1st round pick
WJC gold medallist in August
WJC gold medallist in January
Champion of the QMJHL regular season
Champiion of the QMJHL playoffs
Memorial Cup Champion

Add QMJHL Best Defensive Forward (Guy Carbonneau Trophy)

 

[GermanSpitfire]

Kid is a winner

 

[Skinnyjimmy08]

I absolutely loved his game at Mem Cup.. he's a big strong kid and opponents shy'd away from him ... I can't wait to see what he becomes at the pro level

 

[Hockeyville USA]

Still don't understand why he was taken in the 20s. Would have been fine taking him in the mid to late 2nd, but nowhere near enough offense to justify using a 1st on him; you're seeing that in the A right now as he's not producing at all.

 

[tomd]

Still don't understand why he was taken in the 20s. Would have been fine taking him in the mid to late 2nd, but nowhere near enough offense to justify using a 1st on him; you're seeing that in the A right now as he's not producing at all.

It was a very underwhelming pick but Verbeek said after the draft that he picked Gaucher b/c he wanted the Ducks to be "tougher to play against". Gaucher - if he makes the NHL at all - will be a 4th line defensive forward who plays physical. No doubt that type of player has value but not at 22OA.

As an organization, the Ducks have been terrible at drafting forwards outside the top 3. For an organization that doesn't attract top free agents, missing on high picks is the kiss of death for a rebuild. Gaucher, Myatovic, Perreault, and Tracey were all big misses.