Ethan Gauthier

August 2024 – Gauthier, who signed his entry level contract, looks set to remain with the Voltiguers in the QMJHL for this season. Leading his team in points, Gauthier is a capable playmaker and sniper who is a threat with the puck anywhere on the ice. A standout feature for the 6-foot-0 forward is his willingness to throw his body around. Gauthier’s greatest skill is his offensive instincts, always finding the open areas in the slot with well timed movement and quick shots. Notable weakness is his defensive play. While he will throw his body around he can get lost in his own zone which won’t work in the NHL. Gauthier possesses average to above average puck skills. He will need to improve defensively as his offensive skills can’t make up for his defensive shortcomings. With another season in the QMJHL and likely a season in the AHL, there will be plenty of time for him to work on his game. So far Gauthier is on track to make the top-six. If he can work on his defense he will have a safe floor as a bottom-six player. Markus Roach

June 2023 – Gauthier was selected 37th overall by the Lightning. Pat Quinn

April 2023 – For an average-sized winger, Gauthier’s physicality really stands out. He is both adept at and unafraid of throwing his weight around on the forecheck, while also displaying an impressive ability to stay in the play rather than chase hits. Most of his shots occur in the slot, which he manages by timing his offensive movement to perfection. A push-off here, a curl-up-and-funnel-down play there, and Gauthier has his stick up between the dots, ready to one-time it at a moment’s notice. He displays intelligence in almost every offensive scenario, but his puck skills being average or slightly above-average across the board, as well as his lack of defensive consistency, make him more of a late first-rounder. In Gauthier, you’re getting a player with all the physical tools and mental habits to become an NHLer, but who lacks true star power. An ideal pick for a contender with its fair share of stars already. Hadi Kalakeche

September 2022 — Gauthier performed especially well at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, potting six goals and adding an assist in five games for Team Canada. For those who have watched him in the QMJHL, however, this doesn’t come as a surprise from the author of 39 points in 65 games for the Sherbrooke Phoenix.

An exceptionally relentless forechecker with decent hands in tight and lots of creativity to his game, Gauthier has a solid base of skills, on top of an above-average stride and great physical habits along the boards. He has great overall instincts and can find opportunities to score where others can’t.  His intensity and drive are contagious, and he has a solid shot to capitalize on the chances his intelligence and positioning create. He’ll need to diversify both his shooting and playmaking arsenals, but with the base of skills he currently possesses, the range of outcomes mostly points to the NHL. He projects as a safe middle-six forechecking forward, but could very well develop into a top-six staple with the right work at the right places. Hadi Kalakeche