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

[The Winter Soldier]

I think this kid is a talent. CSB has Julien Gauthier at #4 in their NA list. A winger with size and skill that can finish. 32 in 33 games in the Q. I thought he showed flashes of top 6 ability at the WJC. Will be interesting to see how he progresses this year.

 

[WTFMAN99]

I haven't seen him as much as others have, but from what I have seen, he kind of reminded me of Mark Stone. Fair comparison?

 

[Captain Timo]

I haven't seen him as much as others have, but from what I have seen, he kind of reminded me of Mark Stone. Fair comparison?

Good comparison in the sense that they are both good finishers and have strong, accurate shots. However, Stone is a slower skater whereas Gauthier's speed is one of his strengths.

 

[WTFMAN99]

Good comparison in the sense that they are both good finishers and have strong, accurate shots. However, Stone is a slower skater whereas Gauthier's speed is one of his strengths.

I just thought they were both pretty strong on their feet and really dangerous around the net, just what I saw, again I don't see enough of him at all to make much of a claim either way.

I think at 8-12 you're getting a real good player though.

 

[Captain Timo]

I just thought they were both pretty strong on their feet and really dangerous around the net, just what I saw, again I don't see enough of him at all to make much of a claim either way.

I think at 8-12 you're getting a real good player though.

Oh, for sure. The top 10-15 of this draft are pretty strong. The consensus is that whoever grabs Gauthier is getting a player that will both a) surprise a lot of people & b) exceed any expectations.

 

[devilsfan35]

How is he defensively? Also do you think he will make the NHL next year?

 

[PrinceOfPucks]

The hype train on Gauthier has slowed down big time since December.

I even see some rankings and mocks that have Dubois ahead of him now.

What's the latest on him and his development?

 

[Plastic Joseph]

The hype train on Gauthier has slowed down big time since December.

I even see some rankings and mocks that have Dubois ahead of him now.

What's the latest on him and his development?

That was the case pre WJC too, just maybe to a lesser extent. I'm split on the two personally and would probably take Dubois if forced to choose and had no knowledge of the team's needs.

Gauthier has been fine post WJC and I still see him going in the 8-15 range.

 

[Apotheosis]

I honestly think he'll end up being the steal of the draft. I get this eerie Benn aura from him and I don't know why. That blend of size and skill with his skating... If the Leafs can snag him with the Pens pick, I would be ecstatic.

 

[landy92mack29]

Val d'Or vs Gatineau is on Sportsnet now. For those that don't watch the Q now is a good chance.

 

[McMozesmadness]

Val d'Or vs Gatineau is on Sportsnet now. For those that don't watch the Q now is a good chance.

Gauthier just scored a gritty goal. Drove the net hard and tapped it in. Kid looks huge and skates very well.

 

[landy92mack29]

Gauthier just scored a gritty goal. Drove the net hard and tapped it in. Kid looks huge and skates very well.

He man handled Carrier in front. He needs to work on consistency but has all the tools to transition into top 6 NHL forward. For sure top 15 pick probable top 10.

 

[McMozesmadness]

This game has been amazing so far. One of the chippiest games I've seen all year. I love junior hockey.

 

[BigRangy]

Who else is worth watching in this game?

 

[So Truculent]

Gauthier reminds me of Nash with his wheels and size and skill. Seems to have all the tools to be a very good NHLer. People who watch him more frequently what would you say his biggest weaknesses are?

 

[landy92mack29]

Who else is worth watching in this game?

for this years draft only Abramov really. But a lot of great already drafted players.

 

[1972]

I feel like he might be this year's Ryan Johansson. A team like Buffalo can afford to take a bit of a reach in that #5 range, a player like him could fit well with Eichel. His size, skating and shooting ability will make it hard to pass. Is pretty raw though.

 

[McMozesmadness]

Gauthier reminds me of Nash with his wheels and size and skill. Seems to have all the tools to be a very good NHLer. People who watch him more frequently what would you say his biggest weaknesses are?

I don't claim to have seen a ton of Gauthier but his hockey IQ seems a bit low to me.

His brain isn't on the same level as his physical tools, which are insane.

 

[Mark Kandy]

Who else is worth watching in this game?

Anthony Richard, #9 with Val D'Or, 2nd in the Q in scoring, drafted in the early 4th round by Nashville in 2015!

Nicolas Aubé-Kubel, #16 with Val D'Or, drafted in the 2nd round by Philadelphia in 2014.

Nicolas Meloche, #71 with Gatineau, drafted in the 2nd round by Colorado in 2015.

 

[landy92mack29]

I don't claim to have seen a ton of Gauthier but his hockey IQ seems a bit low to me.

His brain isn't on the same level as his physical tools, which are insane.

It's more consistency issues. When he's on his game and engaged he's an absolute force and pretty good 200ft game with edge. But when he's not on his game other than the odd flash he doesn't effect the game much. He's usually on though so with time and I expect it to go away.

 

[1972]

His brain isn't on the same level as his physical tools, which are insane.

Which isn't really surprising at his age, if he were you'd be talking about a player challenging the top of the draft.

 

[wings5]

How does he compare to Mantha?

 

[Mark Kandy]

How does he compare to Mantha?

He got size, he's playing for Val D'Or, and he can put pucks in the net. That's about it.

 

[JAVO16]

Which isn't really surprising at his age, if he were you'd be talking about a player challenging the top of the draft.

It’s usually the contrary: scrawny kid with great IQ. Which is why people are questionning his upside when comparisons with Nash come up.

 

[Sens of Anarchy]

I haven't seen him as much as others have, but from what I have seen, he kind of reminded me of Mark Stone. Fair comparison?

Stone is slower but his hockey IQ is exceptional.

I think Tkachuk is more like Stone.