Date Published: 12-8-2022
Photo Credit: NHL.com
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 has been selected to participate in Camp for Team USA for the upcoming 2023 World Junior Championships.
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.
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.
Barring injury, Gauthier will make Team USA with no problem.
Ethan Samson
A 6’3, 183 pound, Right-Handed Defenseman was selected by the Flyers on a bright sunny day in Philadelphia on July 23, 2021 in Ethan Samson. He recalls the day well, and for Ethan he will remember this day for the rest of his life, “Getting drafted is something that you dream about as a kid,” Samson said to me in an interview. “Both of my parents have done a lot for me, especially in my hockey career, while taking me to practices and everything. Both have equally sacrificed, so it was a good day.”
For his efforts, Samson is really turning heads in the WHL this season for the Prince George Cougars. Samson, 19-years-old, has relished a leadership role with this club, and it is fueling Samson. Good news, he has been selected for Team Canada’s Camp for the upcoming World Junior Championships, and there is still a large chunk of the season left. It’s not just about goals and assists, it’s about playing well defensively and he’s done that by being physical, with good gap control, while getting bigger and stronger in the process. For his efforts, Samson has netted seven goals and has tallied 14 assists for 21 points in 24 games played.
Samson plays for two familiar faces within the Flyers organization in Mark Lamb (General Manager/Head Coach) and Jason Smith (Associate Coach). Mark Grieg a scout for the Flyers was very high on Samson at the draft:
“His frame’s going to still fill out as he’s an August birthday. He’s got some room to develop. Right-hand shot and for a D-man it’s always an asset as we find them harder to find. I think he’s got a lot of development left; he’s going to play on a good team in P.G. and for a good coach. He’s got upside.” – Mark Greig
Ethan is a young man from North Delta, BC, CAN, where hockey has been his blood since he was born practically. He works hard, and that is evident in his fourth season with the Cougars, and even if he doesn’t make Team Canada’s roster for the World Junior’s Tournament this is still good for his development.
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 24 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.
For his efforts, he was selected for Camp for the upcoming World Junior Championships for Team Switzerland.
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