Frédérik Gauthier Explained

Frédérik Gauthier
Birth Date:26 April 1995
Birth Place:Laval, Quebec, Canada
Height Ft:6
Height In:5
Weight Lb:235
Position:Forward
Shoots:Left
League:KHL
Team:HC Vityaz
Former Teams:Toronto Maple Leafs
Arizona Coyotes
New Jersey Devils
HC Ajoie
Draft:21st overall
Draft Year:2013
Draft Team:Toronto Maple Leafs
Career Start:2015

Frédérik Gauthier (born April 26, 1995) is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently under contract with HC Vityaz of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Gauthier was selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round, 21st overall, of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft after spending three years with the Rimouski Océanic in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). Gauthier became a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs organization following the 2014–15 season. During his developmental years with the Maple Leafs American Hockey League affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, he helped them clinch their first Calder Cup in franchise history.

A native of Quebec, Gauthier developed in its local minor ice hockey programs and intended to pursue a collegiate career rather than the QMJHL. After his selection by the Océanic in the QMJHL and Youngstown Phantoms in the United States Hockey League, he was encouraged by Sidney Crosby to pursue a career in his native province. During his tenure with the team, Gauthier competed for Team Canada at various international tournaments. He won a gold medal at the 2013 IIHF World U18 Championships and 2015 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.

Early life

Gauthier was born on April 26, 1995, in Laval, Quebec, Canada[1] to parents Stéphane and Sophie Gauthier.[2] He grew up in Mascouche, Quebec and cheered for the Montreal Canadiens growing up.[2]

Playing career

Youth

As a youth, Gauthier played in the 2008 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with the Montreal Canadiens minor ice hockey team.[3] He played alongside Anthony Duclair, although they were eventually eliminated by a team with Jonathan Drouin on its roster.[4] Gauthier eventually advanced to the Collège Esther-Blondin Phénix in midget AAA[5] and led the team to the 2012 Telus Cup.[6] During the tournament, he recorded two goals and nine assist in seven games.[7] As a teenager attending Académie Antoine-Manseau, Gauthier played quarterback on their football team in addition to hockey.[8] He was eventually drafted by the Rimouski Océanic of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) during the 2011 QMJHL Entry Draft,[7] although he intended to study at Harvard University and play for their Division 1 ice hockey team.[9] In spite of this, Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, who was an Océanic alumni, convinced Gauthier to play junior ice hockey with Rimouski Océanic in the QMJHL.[9] Gauthier also turned down the opportunity to play in the United States Hockey League with the Youngstown Phantoms.[8]

In his rookie season with the Océanic, Gauthier was considered a top prospect after recording 60 points in 62 games.[6] He competed in the CHL Top Prospects Game[10] and received a final ranking of eighth amongst North American skaters from the NHL Central Scouting Bureau.[11] Prior to the draft, he was praised as a proficient skater who could use his 6'5 body to control the puck.[12] He fulfilled the expectation to be a first-round selection at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft,[13] [14] when he was selected 21st overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs.[15] As his family was from Quebec, his grandfather was unhappy with his draft team and cursed out loud when he heard the news.[2] After the draft, Gauthier was invited to their training camps in September,[16] but returned to Rimouski for the 2013–14 season.[17] While with the Leafs organization, he partook skating lessons with coach Barb Underhill.[18] During that season, the Leafs signed Gauthier to a three-year, entry-level contract on November 28, 2013.[19] Although Gauthier helped lead Rimouski to the QMJHL playoffs, they were eliminated in the second round by the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada.[17]

Although Gauthier played less games in his final junior season, he was the recipient of the Guy Carbonneau Trophy at the conclusion of the 2014–15 season.[20] He also led the team to the President's Cup Trophy by scoring the game winning goal in double overtime of Game 7 against the Quebec Remparts.[21] On April 21, 2014, he signed an amateur tryout contract with the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League (AHL).[22]

Professional

Toronto Maple Leafs

After attending the Maple Leafs' training camp, Gauthier joined the American Hockey League Toronto Marlies for the 2015–16 season.[23] He recorded his first professional point on October 21, 2016, against the Rochester Americans[24] and his first professional goal in a 3–1 win over the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.[25] He received a call-up by the Toronto Maple Leafs on March 19, 2016, and made his NHL debut on March 19, 2016, in a game against the Buffalo Sabres.[26] He played seven games with the Maple Leafs before being sent back to the AHL. During those seven games, Gauthier recorded his first career NHL point on April 6, 2016, with an assist on Morgan Rielly's second period goal.[27] [28]

After attending the Maple Leafs training camp, Gauthier was assigned to the Toronto Marlies for the 2016–17 season.[29] After playing 16 games with the Marlies, Gauthier was recalled to the NHL on December 16, to replace an injured Martin Marincin.[30] Gauthier would eventually record his first career NHL goal on December 22, 2016, against the Colorado Avalanche.[31] Gauthier was subsequently recalled periodically throughout the season but played with the Marlies during their 2017 Calder Cup playoffs run. While playing in the second-round against the Syracuse Crunch, Gauthier suffered an avulsion of the hamstring injury which required surgery, ending his season. Although his projected recovery time was six months, he was back skating in less than three months. As a result of the surgery, Gauthier lost some hamstring muscles and became a bit shorter.[32] Gauthier was invited to participate in the Toronto Maple Leafs training camp prior to the 2017–18 season,[33] although he was reassigned to the Marlies.[34] On January 2, 2018, Gauthier was called-up to the Maple Leafs to play against the Tampa Bay Lightning, a 2–0 loss. He was sent back down to the AHL on January 11 after playing five games in the NHL so that he could continue playing hockey while the Leafs were on a bye week.[35] Gauthier and fellow Marlies player Travis Dermott were recalled on January 15.[36] On January 23, after playing a total of nine games in the NHL during which he scored one goal, Gauthier was returned to the Marlies.[37] He competed with the Marlies during their 2018 Calder Cup playoffs run where he helped them clinch the Calder Cup.[38]

On July 11, 2018, Gauthier signed a two-year, two-way contract extension with the Maple Leafs.[39] After making the team out of training camp, Gauthier stayed on the NHL roster for the entirety of the season. Gauthier played 62 games for the Maple Leafs before suffering a foot injury in March which kept him out of two games.[40] He recovered in time to make his post-season debut with the Leafs, playing in all seven games during the first round against the Boston Bruins.[41]

Although the 2019–20 season would eventually be delayed due to COVID-19,[42] Gauthier started the season strong. He partook in skating lessons with Leafs coach Barb Underhill and captain John Tavares spoke highly of his progress; "He’s making plays more, feeling good about finding the open man and what’s going on in the open ice, and getting to the net."[43] Upon the hiring of Sheldon Keefe on November 20, 2019, he experienced his first healthy scratch of the season after playing in 29 games.[44] When inquired about his choice, Keefe stated "[w]e've liked how Fred's played, he's done well but we're trying to find the right mix for our team & we've got to try some different things. In the interim he's going to have to take a step back a little bit."[45] After sitting as a healthy scratch for four consecutive nights, Gauthier returned to the Leafs lineup to reach a new career-high in goals.[46]

Arizona Coyotes

As a free agent from the Maple Leafs, Gauthier remained un-signed as the 2020–21 season was delayed due to the ongoing pandemic. He was signed to a professional tryout contract to join the Arizona Coyotes training camp on December 27, 2020.[47] After a successful training camp, Gauthier was signed by the Coyotes to a one-year, two-way contract on January 11, 2021.[48]

New Jersey Devils

As a free agent over the summer and approaching the 2021–22 season, Gauthier for the second consecutive year signed a Professional Tryout contract in accepting an invitation to attend the New Jersey Devils training camp on September 18, 2021.[49]

Europe

Following the conclusion of his contract with the Devils, Gauthier left the NHL as a free agent and signed his first contract abroad in agreeing to a one-year contract with Swiss club, HC Ajoie of the National League (NL), on August 2, 2022.[50]

After two seasons in Switzerland with Ajoie, Gauthier left as a free agent and opted to sign a one-year deal with Russian club, Vityaz Moscow Region of the KHL, on May 29, 2024.[51]

International play

Following a successful season with the College Esther-Blondin Phenix midget AAA team, Gauthier was selected to play for Team Quebec at the Canadian Winter Games. He ended the tournament with one assist in six games.[7]

On June 28, 2013, Gauthier was invited to the Canadian National Junior Team summer development camp.[52] After making the roster,[53] he was a member of the gold medal-winning Canadian team at the 2013 IIHF World U18 Championships.[54] The following year, he was again invited to the Canadian National Junior Team summer development camp prior to the 2014 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.[55] After making the final roster, Team Canada lost in the semi-finals to Finland[56] and failed to medal against Russia.[57] While playing in six games, Gauthier recorded one assist and ended with a -2 Plus–minus.[58]

On December 21, 2014, Gauthier was selected to compete for Team Canada during the 2015 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.[59] He played on a line with Lawson Crouse and Nick Ritchie during the tournament,[60] as Team Canada won a gold medal.[61]

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

  Regular season Playoffs
SeasonTeamLeagueGPGAPtsPIMGPGAPtsPIM
2012–13Rimouski OcéanicQMJHL622238602660222
2013–14Rimouski OcéanicQMJHL5418345227113696
2014–15Rimouski OcéanicQMJHL371616322120214164
2015–16Toronto MarliesAHL56612181090004
2015–16Toronto Maple LeafsNHL70110
2016–17Toronto MarliesAHL4649131461342
2016–17Toronto Maple LeafsNHL2121323
2017–18Toronto Maple LeafsNHL91010
2017–18Toronto MarliesAHL577111810202684
2018–19Toronto Maple LeafsNHL70311141270002
2019–20Toronto Maple LeafsNHL6175121010000
2020–21Tucson RoadrunnersAHL18257610000
2020–21Arizona CoyotesNHL20002
2021–22New Jersey DevilsNHL80000
2021–22Utica CometsAHL518243215
2022–23HC AjoieNL529142332
2023–24HC AjoieNL441081818
NHL totals1781318314780002

International

YearTeamEventResult GPGAPtsPIM
2012Canada QuebecU176th51232
U187 1 3 4 2
Canada WJC4th 7 0 1 1 2
Canada WJC7 0 1 1 0
Junior totals 26 2796

Awards and honours

AwardYearRef
QMJHL
CHL Top Prospects Game2013
Guy Carbonneau Trophy2015
AHL
Calder Cup (Toronto Marlies)2018
International
IIHF World U18 Championship Gold Medal (Team Canada)2013[62]
IIHF World U20 Championships – Gold Medal 2015

Notes and References

  1. Web site: FREDERIK GAUTHIER . theahl.com . American Hockey League. March 12, 2020.
  2. Web site: David Brien . TEAM CANADA FAMILY: FRÉDÉRIK GAUTHIER . hockeycanada.ca . Hockey Canada. March 12, 2020 . January 4, 2015.
  3. Web site: Pee-Wee players who have reached NHL or WHA. 2018. Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament. https://web.archive.org/web/20190306085544/https://www.publicationsports.com/ressources/files/439/Joueurs_Pro.pdf. 2019-01-05. March 6, 2019.
  4. Web site: Sachdeva . Sonny . 'It's A Big Deal' . sportsnet.ca . Sportsnet . May 5, 2020.
  5. Web site: Trois anciens Phénix repêchés dans la LNH . rds.ca . March 13, 2020 . French . July 3, 2013.
  6. Web site: Morreale . Mike G. . Gauthier plays all-round game well beyond his years . nhl.com . National Hockey League . May 5, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160308040421/http://www.nhl.com/news/gauthier-plays-all-round-game-well-beyond-his-years/c-670537 . March 8, 2016 . June 21, 2013.
  7. Web site: Frederik Gauthier . hockeysfuture.com . Hockeys Future . May 1, 2020.
  8. Web site: Frédérik Gauthier: des choix judicieux . ici.radio-canada.ca . March 12, 2020 . French . June 23, 2013.
  9. News: Traikos . Michael . Leafs have Sidney Crosby to thank for first-round pick . March 12, 2020 . National Post . July 1, 2013.
  10. Web site: 2013 Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game Rosters . chl.ca . Canadian Hockey League . May 1, 2013 . December 12, 2012.
  11. News: Final Central Scouting Bureau draft rankings . May 5, 2020 . The Globe and Mail . June 23, 2013.
  12. Web site: Frederik Gauthier – The Next Ones: NHL 2013 Draft Prospect Profile . thehockeywriters.com . The Hockey Writers . May 1, 2020 . June 3, 2013.
  13. Web site: King . Patrick . NHL Draft prospects: No. 23 Frederik Gauthier . sportsnet.ca . Sportsnet . May 5, 2020 . June 7, 2013.
  14. Web site: ISS Hockey Releases Final Mock Draft Picks for Sunday's NHL Draft . https://web.archive.org/web/20130703035456/http://www.prweb.com/releases/ISSMockDraftGuide/062913/prweb10886613.htm . dead . July 3, 2013 . . 2013-06-18 . 2013-06-18.
  15. News: Koshan . Terry . Leafs draft huge centre Frederik Gauthier . March 12, 2020 . Toronto Sun . June 30, 2013.
  16. Web site: 69 QMJHL PLAYERS AT NHL CAMPS . theqmjhl,ca . Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. March 12, 2020 . September 20, 2013.
  17. Web site: Chenel . Pierre-Luc . Alex Dubeau et Frédérik Gauthier en congé . larevue.qc.ca . Journal Revue . May 1, 2020 . French . April 22, 2014.
  18. News: McGran . Kevin . Frederik Gauthier gets first taste of life with Maple Leafs . May 1, 2020 . The Hamilton Spectator . July 11, 2013.
  19. Web site: Leafs Sign Gauthier To Three-Year Deal . nhl.com . National Hockey League . May 5, 2020 . November 27, 2013.
  20. Web site: Some individual trophies were given out tonight . theqmjhl.ca . Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. March 13, 2020 . March 27, 2015.
  21. Web site: Joyce. Gare. Oceanic's Gauthier on display for Maple Leafs fans . sportsnet.ca . March 13, 2020 . May 21, 2015.
  22. News: Mirtle . James . Leafs first rounder Frederik Gauthier signs with Marlies . March 13, 2020 . Globe and Mail . April 21, 2014.
  23. Web site: Langridge . Jeff . Toronto Maple Leafs Reduce Training Camp Roster By Seven . thehockeywriters.com . The Hockey Writers. March 13, 2020 . September 25, 2015.
  24. Web site: Marlies Fall in Rochester . marlies.ca . Toronto Marlies . May 1, 2020 . October 21, 2016.
  25. Web site: Resilient Phantoms Come Up Just Short Against Toronto . phantomshockey.com . . May 5, 2020 . October 25, 2015.
  26. Web site: Johnston. Chris. Frederik Gauthier brings size, smarts and personality to young Leafs. Sportsnet.ca. Sportsnet. 8 December 2017. Toronto. March 19, 2016.
  27. Web site: Leafs Fall In Home Finale . nhl.com . March 13, 2020 . April 6, 2016.
  28. LeafsPR. 717867052300648448. April 6, 2016. Frederik Gauthier has recorded his first NHL point with a second period assist. #TMLtalk.
  29. Web site: SportChek Training Camp: Leafs Trim Camp Roster . nhl.com . March 13, 2020 . October 8, 2016.
  30. Web site: Sadler . Emily . Maple Leafs place Martin Marincin on IR, recall Frederik Gauthier . sportsnet.ca . Sportsnet. March 13, 2020 . December 19, 2016.
  31. Web site: Kadri scores two as Leafs rout Avalanche 6-0 . ctvnews.ca . March 13, 2020 . December 23, 2016.
  32. News: Zwolinski. Mark. The long and the short of Frederik Gauthier's return from his leg injury. 8 December 2017. Toronto Star. November 8, 2017.
  33. Web site: Augello . Michael . Last chance training camp for former Maple Leafs' first-rounder Frederik Gauthier . sportingnews.com . Sporting News . May 1, 2020 . September 12, 2018.
  34. News: Zwolinski . Mark . Leafs trim down ahead of season opener . May 1, 2020 . Toronto Star . October 2, 2017.
  35. Web site: Leafs send defenceman Dermott, Gauthier back to Marlies. Sportsnet.ca. January 14, 2018. January 11, 2018.
  36. Web site: Johnston. Mike. Maple Leafs recall Travis Dermott, Frederik Gauthier from AHL's Marlies. sportsnet.ca. January 16, 2018. January 15, 2018.
  37. Web site: Leafs recall Kasperi Kapanen from AHL Marlies, demote Frederik Gauthier. sportsnet.ca. Sportsnet. February 2, 2018. January 23, 2018.
  38. Web site: Strong . Gregory . Marlies bring a hockey championship to Toronto, win Calder Cup . cbc.ca . Canadian Broadcasting Corporation . May 5, 2020 . June 14, 2018.
  39. Web site: Maple Leafs Sign Frederik Gauthier to Two-Year Contract . NHL.com . National Hockey League. July 15, 2018 . July 11, 2018.
  40. Web site: Leafs' Frederik Gauthier to miss two games with foot injury . sportsnet.ca . Sportsnet. March 13, 2020 . March 18, 2019.
  41. Web site: 2019 NHL Eastern First Round . hockey-reference.com . Hockey Reference . May 5, 2020.
  42. News: Koshan . Terry . Leafs getting accustomed to new world as COVID-19 impact grows . The Chronicle Herald. April 11, 2020 . March 11, 2020.
  43. News: Zwolinski . Mark . The Leafs are happy with Frederik Gauthier's body of work . May 1, 2020 . Toronto Star . October 15, 2019.
  44. News: Koshan . Terry . Leafs facing perfect model of resilience, success in Blues on Saturday night . May 5, 2020 . Toronto Sun . December 7, 2019.
  45. kristen_shilton. 1203371434686504960. December 7, 2019. Asked Keefe why Frederik Gauthier is now a healthy scratch for #Leafs: "We've liked how Fred's played, he's done well but we're trying to find the right mix for our team & we've got to try some different things. In the interim he's going to have to take a step back a little bit.".
  46. News: McGran . Kevin . The Goat finds his way (and the net) in Leafs' fourth-line battle . May 5, 2020 . Toronto Star . December 18, 2019.
  47. Web site: Coyotes will have two PTO's in camp . . Craig Morgan . 27 December 2020 . 27 December 2020.
  48. Web site: Coyotes sign center Frederik Gauthier . . January 11, 2021 . January 11, 2021.
  49. NJDevils . 1438909247866163202 . September 17, 2021 .
    1. NEWS: We have signed Frederik Gauthier to a PTO contract.
    . September 19, 2021.
  50. Web site: Frederik Gauthier at HCA . . August 2, 2022 . August 2, 2022 . French.
  51. Web site: Vityaz signs Canadian center Frederik Gauthier . . May 29, 2024 . May 29, 2024 . Russian .
  52. Web site: Frédérik Gauthier invité . oceanic.qc.ca . March 12, 2020 . June 28, 2013.
  53. Web site: Canada makes final world junior roster cuts . cbc.ca . May 2, 2020 . December 22, 2013.
  54. Web site: Canada ends U.S. run of dominance at U-18s . . 2013-02-02 . 2013-02-02.
  55. Web site: Gauthier Invited To World Junior Selection Camp . nhl.com . March 13, 2020 . December 1, 2014.
  56. News: Beacon . Bill . Canada loses to Finland in world junior semi-final, will play Russia for bronze . May 2, 2020 . The Globe and Mail . January 4, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150708144007/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/world-juniors/team-canada/article16194554/ . July 8, 2015.
  57. News: World juniors 2014: Canada goes home empty-handed again with 'heartbreaking' loss to Russia in bronze-medal game . May 2, 2020 . National Post . January 5, 2014.
  58. Web site: Landvogt . Chapin . 2014 WJC Video: Frederik Gauthier, Canada . hockeysfuture.com . May 2, 2020 . January 5, 2014.
  59. Web site: Canada's National Junior Team for 2015 IIHF World Junior Championship . chl.ca . May 2, 2020 . December 21, 2014.
  60. News: Halliday . Chris . Nick Ritchie embraces grinder role for Team Canada, lands World Junior gold medal . May 2, 2020 . Orangeville Banner . January 7, 2015.
  61. Web site: Canada wins 2015 World Junior Championship Gold . chl.ca . March 13, 2020 . January 5, 2015.
  62. News: Canada crowned under-18 hockey champions . . 2013-02-02 . 2013-02-02.