Ethan Gauthier

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