Frédérik Gauthier

October 2019 – Despite added depth making it a highly contested roster spot, Gauthier has once again earned himself a 4th-line role with the Leafs to start the 2019-20 campaign. His responsible, non-flashy play in all three zones has won the trust of coach Babcock, so its very unlikely he gets sent back to the AHL anytime soon. Expect a similar pace in all categories to the end of the 2018-19 season, where his wingers helped give him pass-able multi-category value but nothing more than a depth rotation option. Hayden Soboleski

February 2019 – Gauthier has officially carved himself into the 4C role full-time. That’s not to say he’s irreplaceable, but owners can expect his current pace of 8 points in 42 games to continue for the rest of this season. His hit numbers (54 so far) might make him slightly fantasy-worthy in deep leagues, but even in a full-time role he lacks notable SOG, blocks, or PIM numbers. Hayden Soboleski

October 2018 – Despite blowing previous shots at the 4C role on the Leafs, Gauthier received a chance early in the 2018-19 season and has looked surprisingly good. He won’t ever be an offensive threat, but he appears to be capable of winning some draws and killing some time when the big guns need a break. It appears his AHL career is over. Hayden Soboleski

December 2017 – Gauthier has not developed the way one would expect from a first round draft pick. He was drafted 21st overall in the 2013 draft. He is a big center at 6’5″ and 232 pounds and as Babcock said: “You can’t teach size”. Gauthier is a solid defensive center but lacks foot speed and scoring touch. His skating has improved since coming to the AHL but he is still far short of being an elite skater. He is decent in the face off circle and is an excellent penalty killer. While Gauthier has good size he does not throw it around much nor is he inclined to fight or hit much. In 116 games in the AHL, with the Marlies, Gauthier has scored only 11 goals with another 23 assists. He has had 28 games with the Leafs, over the last two seasons, where he produced two goals and two assists playing on the fourth line and killing penalties in limited minutes. Many, including me, had expected Gauthier to be the full time fourth line center as early as next year. If Gauthier used his size more effectively it would improve his potential of cracking the Leafs lineup. It now would appear that Gauthier will have significant competition for that spot but being a fourth line center is the maximum upside for Gauthier. Brian Harling

April 2016 – The very large Center has had a solid transition to pro playing for the Marlies and even received a recall down the street to appear in a pair of NHL samples. Gauthier has been restricted to bottom-6 duties in the AHL, but that was not overly unexpected. He has accumulated 17 points in 54 games while having an impressive rating of positive-17. He has been rather strong in the faceoff circle taking mostly defensive zone draws, but had limited success for the Leafs going 10 for 25. Gauthier will need to continue to build on his responsibilities in the AHL and move up the lineup as the strongest defensive forward on the team next season. The growth pattern is trending solidly upward, but not going to be a fantasy asset despite his 1^st round draft slot. Jason Banks

September 2015 – As expected Gauthier was assigned to start the season with the Marlies in the AHL. Gauthier’s play in camp was fine and as a 1^st round pick some may have expected him to stay longer, but this early demotion will allow him to get adjusted with his teammates, staff and surroundings so that he has a solid start on his rookie pro campaign. It is likely that he will be the glue between a pair of higher flight wingers, mid-level on the AHL depth chart and will see penalty killing time. His growth pattern will not be based on offense as much as the likes of William Nylander or Mitch Marner, but more on ability to handle bigger, professional, bodies and his reliability in high profile situations. Jason Banks

July 2015 – Gauthier has come out ‘guns blazin’ in prospect camp, in the media. He has stated he will try all he can do to make the Leafs out of camp, but all highly drafted prospects should say that. Realistically Gauthier will find himself on a secondary role in the AHL as he is not expected to contribute offence, but be more of a hardworking possession player to compliment skilled wingers. What could be interesting is that he could compete with Sam Carrick and Byron Froese as a recall when injuries happen in the NHL and the Leafs’ needing to fill the lower lines. Gauthier’s size and maturity cannot be taught and he comes with a wealth of experience that includes a pair of WJC appearances, a strong U-18, playing for Quebec in U-17 and four Super Series games as an international player. Last season his Rimouski team won the QMJHL Championship where he was the best ‘Defensive Forward’ and his season shifted into a new gear in the playoffs and subsequent Memorial Cup tournament. He will not produce at the same pace in pro as he has in junior at just under point per game, but the organization will consider him a ‘win’ if he turns into a high end penalty killing, faceoff taking, strong on the boards, distributing two-way, mid-line center. He may carry more pressure on his shoulders than a straight up offensive prospect. Jason Banks

December 2013 – Frederik Gauthier is one of 13 forwards selected to the Canadian Under-20 World Junior roster for the upcoming Championships in Malmo, Sweden. Gauthier will serve as a bottom six pivot and will be looked upon by coach Brent Sutter to shutdown the opposition’s top offensive lines while providing a physical presence. Brendan Ross

November 2013 – The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed their 2013 1st round selection, Frederik Gauthier of Rimouski Océanic, to a three-year entry level contract. The big pivot has recorded just five goals and 21 points in 23 games this season but as expected, his true value has been as a defensive forward where he plays against teams’ top offensive players and is counted on for winning big face offs. Gauthier is a player who projects as a borderline top-six pivot at the NHL level so temper your fantasy expectations. Brendan Ross

December 2012 – Gauthier is an absolute beast. At 6’4” and 219-pounds as a rookie, this guy is only going to get bigger. He is producing over a point-per-game and has led the rookie scoring race most of the year. He skates pretty well for a big man and is becoming a reliable two-way centre. Gauthier is an interesting prospect and will gather a lot of attention at the draft. He is a classic project pick but has first round potential. He has a similar frame to another former Rimouski Oceanic – Vincent Lecavalier. Derek Leblanc