Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman doesn't view this move as a surprise for the young forward, given that this is likely the best scenario for his development.
Gautheir will look to improve on a solid first season where he scored 16 goals and 37 points in 31 games. These numbers were good enough to lead the Eagles in scoring and earn him a Hockey East Third Team All-Star selection.
The 19 year old born in Sweden already possesses a solid frame for the NHL standing at 6'2″ and weighing 194 pounds.
He is seen by scouts as a player that plays with a lot of pace who can burn defenders with a wide assortment of offensive tools. While his work with the puck is impressive, his work away from the puck is also quite good. He is seen as a player who is dangerous along the boards and can disrupt cycles and win puck battles.
The Flyers won't be competing for a playoff in the near future. When they are ready to make a playoff push for a playoff spot , a player like Gautheir, he'll go a long way in helping the cause.
POLL | ||
25 MARS | 50 ANSWERS Philadelphia Flyers top prospect won't sign with the team, heads back to school Do you like the way college free agents are handled in the NHL? | ||
Yes, seems to be a good path to the NHL | 36 | 72 % |
No, seems like the players have too much power | 14 | 28 % |
List of polls |