Date Published: 12-26-2022
Photo Credit: Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Cutter Gauthier, 18, stands at 6’2 and weighs in at 189 pounds. Not only is this a solid build for not only a pro hockey player, but it gives the Flyers much needed size down the middle in the future. At first glance, he’s a versatile player that can play both Wing and Center. For his efforts, he made Team USA for the upcoming 2023 World Junior Championships that begin today.
Gauthier was born in Sweden. His father was a goalie in the Swedish Elite League, so it’s kind of shocking he has become a Power Forward. The first name Cutter came from a Swedish cookbook, yup a cook book as Cutter exclaimed after he was drafted by the orange and black. For his efforts he is killing it for the Boston College Men’s Hockey Team this season, as he has netted nine goals and six assists in 13 games played. He’s on fire, and burning out the bulb to the goal lamp Gauthier’s scoring that much.
Believe it or not Gauthier was the guy the Flyers wanted from day one, they love his shot, size, and his skating abilities for being a more sizeable prospect in the pipeline. Moreover, they love what he can eventually become, especially with his candidness to shoot the puck. The Flyers are now targeting shoot-first players, and it’s become evident with the past two drafts. For instance, Tyson Foerster’s best ability is his shot, while Samu Tuomaala, although struggling in the Liiga League, is a first shot mentality player. The Flyers are really trying to find a sniper(s) to wreak havoc on their opponents in the future.
Gauthier and Team USA faceoff against Latvia today at 4pm EST.
Brian Zanetti
Zanetti was selected in the fourth round by the Flyers in 2021, and he is a smooth skating left-handed shot defenseman. He is a native of Switzerland, and he has been playing in the OHL for the Peterborough Petes, where he has amassed two goals and three assists in 27 games played.
This young 19-year-old, 6’2, weighing 181 pounds in Zanetti needs time to develop. Like most prospects he has to get bigger and stronger, he’s a bit lanky, and he reminds me of the build of Mason Millman when he was first drafted by the Flyers. However, Zanetti likes to join the rush, and is a smooth skating defenseman.
Brian is a solid two-way defenceman, has good puck skills, and uses his size well to protect the puck. He closes gaps well which is a bonus, but he needs to work on playing the body more as well.
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There is some rawness, but he knows what he needs to work on. He has the height as he stands at 6’2, now he just needs to fill in. That will come in time.
Switzerland faces Finland today as the tournament kicks off at 11am EST.
