Ethan Gauthier is a skilled power forward known for his high hockey IQ. He’s great at positioning himself on the ice and using his physicality to create scoring opportunities. Gauthier isn’t afraid to throw his body around, which is why he’s projected to be a power forward in the NHL. He’s mentioned in interviews that he likes to play a similar style of game to the Tkachuk brothers. Having a player who combines skill and toughness is often a winning formula in the NHL, so it’s no surprise that Gauthier is expected to be a first-round pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.
The Gauthier name may sound familiar, and you’re likely thinking of Julien Gauthier of the Ottawa Senators, who also has played for the Rangers as well as a handful of games with the Hurricanes. Julien and Ethan are not only both skilled players, they are also cousins. Ethan’s father, Denis, also spent time in the NHL, being a physical defenseman. Clearly, hockey runs deep in their bloodline, and there’s more to it than that. Ethan has played the last one and a half seasons with his older brother Kaylen on the Sherbrooke Phoenix in the QMJHL.
Player Details
Born: January 6, 2005
Position: RW
Shoots: Right
Height: 5 ft 11 in
Weight: 176 lbs
Draft Projections:
Ranked #33 by INSIDE THE RINK
Ranked #31 by ELITEPROSPECTS.COM
Ranked #25 by DAILY FACEOFF
Ranked #16 by TSN/BOB McKENZIE
Ranked #17 by TSN/CRAIG BUTTON
Ranked #16 by NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING
Ranked #32 by DOBBERPROSPECTS
When watching Gauthier’s film, it’s not only his physicality that stands out. I’ve found that his hockey IQ stands out more, as he seems to be in the right spot often and has a playmaking ability that can create high-danger chances with a quick pass or redirect. He likely will find himself starting his NHL career on the wing, even though he has spent much of his Junior career at center. Gauthier’s style of play projects well on the wing, and he has found success this year on the wing. His ability to win puck battles along the boards and proceed to get the puck to the slot or high-danger areas is worth noting. Gauthier is also very smart when it comes to skating routes, as he is often found taking routes that are hard to defend against, and that type of hockey sense is likely to translate at the NHL level.
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Gauthier doesn’t find himself with defensive assignments often as an offense-first forward, but I’m sure that as he develops into an everyday NHL player, his two-way game will continue to grow. He may not find himself as a key penalty killer, but when games get tight, a complete two-way game is quite important.
Gauthier has had a great Junior career, finding himself being drafted 1st overall in the 2021 QMJHL Entry draft, and now looks to be a first-round pick in the 2023 NHL Entry draft. Gauthier had a solid season this year, winning the Michael Bossy Trophy as the QMJHL’s best professional prospect. Gauthier should be a coveted player by many teams, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see some disappointed GMs from teams that miss out on him in the late first round.
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