RW Julien Gauthier (2016, 21st, CAR; traded to NYR)

[JeromeHP]

Still blows me away that a 16 year old can be that big. How big is this kid gonna be in a year?Can he skate for a kid his size?

he's the nephew of Denis Gauthier who was a pretty physical and nasty player in his nhl days. He also come from the famous wrestling Rougeau family from Montreal. He was a big boy already in midget being listed at 6-2 213 on the Q central list in May 2013.

He's now listed at 6'4 221 so next year he should be in the 6-4 225 range imo. He skates very well for a big kid, good acceleration.

 

[qc2nf]

he's the nephew of Denis Gauthier who was a pretty physical and nasty player in his nhl days. He also come from the famous wrestling Rougeau family from Montreal. He was a big boy already in midget being listed at 6-2 213 on the Q central list in May 2013.

He's now listed at 6'4 221 so next year he should be in the 6-4 225 range imo. He skates very well for a big kid, good acceleration.

Did not know the Rougeau connection. Very interesting.

 

[Mathletic]

I think it was Sam Cosentino who said Gauthier was among the strongest kids (in Canada) his age when he was 13-14 or so.

 

[JayKing]

He's the only 2016 eligible player to be invited to Canada's U20 summer camp. (He is a 97 born though so it certainly helped)

 

[Jetabre]

Pretty impressive Draft-1 year. Will be interesting to see how he does going forward.

 

[landy92mack29]

Very impressive game through 2 periods tonight. Has 3 goals and is throwing his weight around as well. Made some good passes as well that created good scoring chances. Good speed and hands for a big guy. Wouldn't be surprised if he works his way into the top 5 this year.

4 goals in almost 3 games to start the year.

 

[Zaddy]

So, what are the knocks on this kid? His production is quite insane yet I haven't seen him in the top5 anywhere and neither HP or FC has him even in their top15, only Craig Button has him rated highly at #6. From what I read he is a big kid with good skating with a knack of scoring goals. So why isn't he ranked up there with Puljujärvi, Laine and Tkachuk? Can anyone clue me in?

 

[McOvechking]

So, what are the knocks on this kid? His production is quite insane yet I haven't seen him in the top5 anywhere and neither HP or FC has him even in their top15, only Craig Button has him rated highly at #6. From what I read he is a big kid with good skating with a knack of scoring goals. So why isn't he ranked up there with Puljujärvi, Laine and Tkachuk? Can anyone clue me in?

He lacks the flash and finesse that Button gushes over? I honestly don't know what else to tell you.

 

[Circulartheory]

He lacks the flash and finesse that Button gushes over? I honestly don't know what else to tell you.

Button has him #6.

 

[wings5]

Does anyone think Gauthier could overtake Puljujarvi or even Laine? Was going to start a thread on this but opted not to for now.

 

[Mark Kandy]

Don't think it will happen but the question deserved to be ask. I wouldn't be shocked if it happens though. Gauthier will be a top10 consensus for sure before june. Skills and size is always a great combo when you want to make it to the next level!

 

[rockhouse15]

Does anyone think Gauthier could overtake Puljujarvi or even Laine? Was going to start a thread on this but opted not to for now.

I really like JG but I don't think he has enough pure skill to overtake the other two although its still very early in the year. He can definitely move well enough and is physical enough to be NHL player but I don't think he has the hands to really finish around the net at the NHL level. I would probably take Tkachuk over him right now in terms of draft eligible power forwards in the CHL. It will be interesting to see if he makes the WJC team so we can compare him with the two big Finnish forwards and the Americans like Jones and Tkachuk.

 

[landy92mack29]

Does anyone think Gauthier could overtake Puljujarvi or even Laine? Was going to start a thread on this but opted not to for now.

Hype wise no but as far as ability and NHL career he has a good chance to be 3rd after Chychrun+Matthews. Gauthier is a complete package and will make 1 lucky team very happy to pick him.

 

[AlternateSideParking]

We recently profiled him and view him as a top-10 pick; maybe even top-5.

Gauthier is very noticeable when it’s his turn to hop over the boards – his stick is always in the right position whether to receive a pass on the rush or in the slot. He uses his size and reach to his advantage beyond puck protection; in other words, Gauthier’s difficult to defend in front of the net because he can alter shots heading in a variety of directions. Furthermore, he keeps defenders further away from the net because he doesn’t have to be close to the cage to fight for rebounds.

www.thedraftanalyst.com/prospects/julien-gauthier

Gauthier's a stud. I was worried after he slowed down after the Labbe cheap shot (like 1 goal and flubbing shots after six or so games), but he really rebounded this week.

Love this kid's game.

 

[G0bias]

There was a feature on him in today's Montreal papers. He's apparently at 225 now. What a beast.

 

[teravaineSAROS]

There was a feature on him in today's Montreal papers. He's apparently at 225 now. What a beast.

Does he play a physical game? Im secretely dreaming of him becoming a Lindros-lite

 

[landy92mack29]

Does he play a physical game? Im secretely dreaming of him becoming a Lindros-lite

He is when he needs to be. He doesn't run around just trying to hit. Great at using his size to protect the puck and have a great net front presence.

 

[landy92mack29]

2G+2A tonight and is ppg now. He went through a slump after the cheap shot that hurt him but he's back rolling now

 

[FrozenJagrt]

Definitely a Cy Young candidate. Interesting prospect

 

[Marc the Habs Fan]

Blown away by this kid during tonight's Q-Russia game. Wow, he is awesome. If he's not top 10 in this draft, it's a hell of a crop.

How does he only have 4 assists on the season?

 

[Emerz]

Blown away by this kid during tonight's Q-Russia game. Wow, he is awesome. If he's not top 10 in this draft, it's a hell of a crop.

How does he only have 4 assists on the season?

The 4 assist thing amazes me, like Val d'Or as a team is a scoring power house but he just isn't getting any assists.

 

[199991]

The 4 assist thing amazes me, like Val d'Or as a team is a scoring power house but he just isn't getting any assists.

VDO score a big part of their goals on the PP and Gauthier is always in front of the net on the PP. So he is often the one who finishes the play and not the one who starts it.
I know that's not the only explication, but it's a large part of why he has so much more goals than assists.

 

[landy92mack29]

1G+2A tonight. Missed his goal but 1st assist was beautiful as he drew 2 guys to him and setup his teammate in front of the net for a tap in. 2nd assist was a good cross crease pass to Pepin who was robbed but cleaned up his own rebound. 22G+7A in 26 games now.

 

[CutOnDime97]

Nice highlight reel:

 

[Brandel*]

Buffalo scout says he's challenging for #2 in the draft and about his fit with the Sabres