Cutter Gauthier Scouting Reports

Gauthier ends his college career at Boston College by producing 38G-27A in 41GP
He was the leading goal scorer in the NCAA
Gauthier has tasted success at every stop in his development. He was the leading scorer at the World Juniors in Sweden, at Christmas, and named to the tournament All-Star team - leading Team USA to Gold.
Gauthier can push the pace in open ice. He's very difficult to defend coming off the edge when entering the offensive zone at top speed - especially when considering his nearly 6'2 1/2 200lbs frame.
Gauthier is an elite shooter. He has a quick release. Pucks are on and off his stick in a hurry and he shoots it hard and accurately. He's a massive threat working the weak side flank on the power-play or cycling off the boards and taking the play to the middle of the ice.
Like and young goal scorer, there are times in games Gauthier needs to be more engaged defensively. It's not a hockey sense issue. He clearly understands where to go in all three zones - but he does tend to stop moving his feet at times on the back check and in small areas defending his zone.
Gauthier can play both the wing and the middle. He projects as a top line shooter / scoring forward at the NHL level. The bulk of his ice time will come at even strength and the PP.

The Philadelphia Flyers first round pick (5th overall in 2022) led the WJC in scoring with 2G-10A
playing for Team USA
Big body - power frame - solid skater - rips pucks from the weak side flank on the PP - extends plays in the trenches / along the boards
Easily defined. Trending towards NHL sooner than later.

Solid freshman season at Boston College.
Played to his identity the entire year. A power-forward type who leans goal scorer more than playmaker. Has the ability to beat goalies from range with a quick release / heavy shot.
Displayed improved pace overall. Needs to manage shift length. At times he eclipsed 1:00 shifts - which is too long for his style of game and stature.
Gives opponents all they can handle in the trenches.
Top six forward / goal scorer / ES, PP, 4vs4 / on projection - not likely to PK

Playing on the top line for Team USA at WJC
In Game #1 vs Latvia he led the forward group in TOI (19:21) and generated 5 shots on goal
Played to his identity - heavy along the wall and down low in the offensive zone - quick release in high danger areas
Shift length will need to come down ... almost 1:00 per shift is too long when games develop into track meets. Primary ice at ES and PP.

Big body forward who continues to evolve and play to his identity.
Being used primarily at ES and PP at the college level.
More of a threat off the rush. He's added more quickness and transition pace.
His element continues to be his goal scoring upside. Gauthier has scored goals at ES, PP, and 4vs4 for BC. He has an elite release. Trending up.

A big body who moves well and can play both the middle and the wing.
He's more of a shooter than a distributor. He has, arguably, the quickest release in the draft.
He directs pucks on net accurately from range and has the kind of shot that can beat goalies from long distance.
Generally responsible in all three zones. Hard to push off the play in the trenches. Creates space for line mates. Projects to be at top 6 forward, with size, who will produce offense.