Looking at the Flyers 5th Overall Selection Cutter Gauthier
The first round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft has concluded with the only Flyers selection being center Cutter Gauthier. Gauthier is a part of the thriving US National Development Program and is committed to play for Boston College next season.
Cutter Gauthier is 6”3’ and has an incredible release that some put as the best in the draft. Brian Boucher said on the ESPN broadcast that the Flyers had Cutter as their desired pick with Nemec and Jiricek closely behind. The Flyers were chomping at the bit to have the opportunity to draft him.
Gauthier had a monster 2021-22 campaign with the US-U18 team that allowed him to skyrocket up all of the draft boards. He finished with 34 goals and 31 assists, for a grand total of 65 points in 54 games.
“He’s so good defensively, using his body well along the boards and in corners to win puck battles and move up ice. Offensively, he’s incredibly efficient. The puck is on his stick and off his stick in transition, but he also recognizes when he has pockets of space to initiate offense himself. Gauthier is unafraid to drive the puck to the net and protects the puck nicely when he chooses to do so”
– EliteProspects 2022 NHL Draft Guide
After seeing Seattle take Shane Wright, it was clear the decision for Philadelphia was either going to be Gauthier or Jiricek. It’s not hard to see why the Flyers were interested in Cutter Gauthier, given his physical tools and his eventual transition back to center going into college. All of the tools are there for what could be a physically gifted center with a quick release. It’s going to be fun keeping an eye on his freshman season at Boston College in many big-stage NCAA matchups, and hopefully an eventual transition into the World Juniors for a national showcase.
Check out the just-released 2022-2023 Flyers schedule here >>
In his draft day interviews, Gauthier mentioned that he was a complete package and will look for an NHL roster spot following this year. I admire the confidence, and knowing he grew up a Flyers fan is sweet of course.
Rounds 2-7 of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft kickoff today at 11 am ET on NHL Network. Given all of the uncertainty surrounding the Flyers’ offseason, I wouldn’t tune out just yet.
Cutter Gauthier Highlights
Shift-by-Shift Tape of Gauthier’s 21-22 Season
Mandatory Credit: NBC Sports
