by J.T. Toth
Photo courtesy of Dobber Prospects.
The 2023 NHL Draft will be here before you know it, and Draft 412 will preview some of the prospects who will be probable first round picks. Draft 412 will go over the strengths and weaknesses of each prospect and where they should land in the NHL Draft.
Name- Ethan Gauthier
Pos- RW
Team- Sherbrooke Phoenix (QMJHL)
HT/WT- 5’11” 176 lbs.
Born- 1/26/2005
Home – Phoenix, AZ
Ethan Gauthier is the son of former NHL player, Denis Gauthier, who was drafted in the first round by the Calgary Flames in 1995.
After only scoring 39 points in 65 games during the 2021-2022 season, Gauthier exploded for 69 points in 66 games this past season. Gauthier played a consistent, hard-nosed style all year and became a team leader for Sherbrooke.
Gauthier is a player you want to play with and not against. Known for being a thorn in his opponent's side, Gauthier brings something that most first rounders do not bring to the table—a sandpaper edge.
Gauthier is a player who stands out on every shift, and he battles and fights for any loose puck. His work ethic is nonstop and you notice it shift in and shift out. His backchecking is relentless and he always seems to be in a puck carrier's grill when they are trying to move the puck up ice.
His game is more than just being a thorn in his opponent’s side. Gauthier is a crafty playmaker who does a fine job of setting up teammates, both on the rush and in the offensive zone. He is efficient in cycling and always seems to find the open spaces in a team's defense and can be used as a net-front presence.
The one thing Gauthier won’t do is wow you with either his skating or shooting ability. He is not the fastest of skaters and gets by on his pure determination and compete level. This is an area he can work on before entering the NHL ranks. He can find the back of the net, but it is not due to an accurate, overpowering shot. His wrist shot is below average, and once again scores a lot of his goals from his sheer determination.
Final Analysis
With Ethan Gauthier’s sandpaper style, Draft 412 sees some Alex Burrows in his game. Gauthier will not wow you offensively like the top of the draft board, but he does bring something that all NHL teams want… grit.
Round 1/2- #28 on Draft 412 big board.