Photo Credit: Our very own Yariv Wolok
The Flyers have drafted a bonafide sniper in the last three drafts to include Tyson Foerster, Samu Tuomaala, and now enter Cutter Gauthier. They needed a goal scorer/sniper, and this was one way to do it. Gauthier will be at developmental camp early next week, and he couldn’t be more thrilled to be a Flyer:
“It’s such a surreal moment. It’s everything I’ve dreamed of, growing up hearing my named called one day. I’m so happy that the Philadelphia Flyers are the one to do it. I’m extremely excited for the future and to see what it holds.” – Cutter Gauthier
Gauthier continued on the Flyers emblem, “It’s awesome. It’s bright orange, so it’s awesome. You definitely stand out and I love that. I’m extremely excited to be a part of this organization and see what the future holds.”
He is Boston College commit for this coming season, a and buyers Scheifle, Jeff Carter, and Pierre-Luc Dubois. However, Gauthier’s plan is to only play one season at Boston College, and then play for the Flyers in 2023-24. This directory to the NHL makes sense, as the Flyers are hoping to develop him into a Center. Boston College is a great hockey School, so the Flyers feel very comfortable with his development there.
Of course, the NCAA is a league that consists of men. There aren’t many 18-year-olds that are able to play in this league on a consistent nightly basis. Usually prospects take time to grow muscle and build strength to handle the rigors of a full AHL/NHL season, however, Gauthier it’s sort of matured in a body sense. He’s a big bodied Center/Winger, as he stands at 6’3 and weighs 201 pounds.
Gauthier is a good skater, but like most prospects he can improve upon this area, but he has a great pair of hands. He is a versatile player as he can play both Center and Wing, but he also plays the 200 ft game. This will resonate well with new Flyers Head Coach John Tortorella, Gauthier is an excellent penalty killer.
The Flyers are used to taking safe picks, well this will resonate well with Flyers fans as Gauthier anything but that. He has a big boom mentality, and the Flyers can really swing for the fences with this pick.
The young, slick gifted shooter in Gauthier plays a solid two-way game. He gets to the dirty areas to score, and has a lethal wrist shot, as well. His heavy shot is one of the best that this stock of players has. Gauthier plays in all situations the coaching staff asks of him, and he plays with an aggressive edge. Moreover, this slickster in Gauthier tallied 19 goals, and nine assists in 22 games played for the USNDTP team. Gauthier’s passing is just crisp tape to tape, and he has a knack for the net. This pick in Gauthier is a high valued one, and one that will pay huge dividends in the future, “I think I’m the complete package as I’ve said earlier,” Gauthier said. “I think the defensive side of the game is a big part of my game as well. Taking control of the defensive zone, whether playing the wing or being there for your defenseman. Helping your defenseman down low. I think it plays a big role in winning hockey. I don’t think you’re going to get to the next level if you’re lazy on defense.”
Hopefully, the Flyers will benefit from a gifted player in Gauthier. This selection was a great start to the draft for the Flyers, who are undergoing an “Aggressive Retool” according to Fletcher. The proud orange-clad fans deserve this selection. They have supported the Flyers through the thick and thin, and it’s time the fans start reaping some of the benefits.
