Cutter Gauthier is going to piss people off this season, and he’s going to enjoy every minute of it. He’s out to prove to the haters—and to himself—that he made the right decision for his career. Gauthier may not want to play the villain, but that’s exactly the role he’ll need to embrace—especially with Philadelphia Flyers fans eager to torment the 20-year-old.
“I don’t want to be a villain,” Gauthier told The Athletic on Tuesday. “That’s kind of messed up. I don’t think that’s my type of personality. If people think of me like that, it is what it is. I can’t really change people’s opinions or anything like that.
“Hopefully, the guys don’t think I’m a villain at all. I’ve had a pretty good smile on my face and had a good time with it.”
The Anaheim Ducks, historically, have thrived when playing with an edge. They had agitators in the lineup, like Corey Perry, Ryan Kesler, Chris Pronger, and even Ryan Getzlaf, who could stir things up when he wanted to—and many more. Right now, the only consistent player bringing that gritty attitude is Radko Gudas, but he’s not here for the long haul. Mason McTavish has shown flashes of that edge, and even Trevor Zegras can be a pest—he just needs to learn when to turn it on and when to hold back. But aside from them, there isn’t anyone who consistently brings that fire.
That’s a role Gauthier could play with a smile on his face. While he has some growing to do, he has the potential to bring the same energy as a new-age Corey Perry.
Rookies can be unpredictable—Gauthier will surely experience both hot streaks and rough patches. Ideally, his standout performances will coincide with the Ducks’ road trip to Philadelphia on January 11th, where he’ll encounter a toxic, perhaps even playoff-like atmosphere, as Flyers fans seek to exact some revenge.
Gauthier has said he hasn’t paid much attention to the schedule, but he’s already circled that date.
One game that he did manage to note on the schedule though was the Ducks’ Jan. 11 matchup against the Flyers in Philadelphia. It would be the first time that Gauthier has played in front of Flyers fans as an NHLer.
“It’s going to be an exciting game,” he said. “I’m pumped for it. With everything that happened, obviously want to play well and do my thing.” – Derek Lee Hockey News
He’s pumped for it, but who knows if he’ll play?
As GM Pat Verbeek has mentioned, he wouldn’t hesitate to implement the “Leo Carlsson plan”—a.k.a. load management—when it comes to rookies, and Gauthier could easily be a candidate for that. While Gauthier is more physically prepared and likely more rested than Carlsson was in his rookie season, he’s also admitted that he’s never played 82 games in a season, nearly double what he’s used to. So, it wouldn’t be surprising if Verbeek decides to give him some rest. Carlsson missed the highly anticipated matchup against Adam Fantilli even after a few days off, and Verbeek could make the same call for Gauthier. That said, Gauthier is eager for this game, and I hope he gets to play—it’s going to be must-see TV.
I’ve mentioned Gauthier as one of the three players with the most to prove this season. Again, it’s crazy to put a rookie on a most-to-prove list, but without a doubt, he’ll have the most eyes on him, as every Flyers fan will be tuning in just to see him fail.
Related Post: 3 Anaheim Ducks with the Most to Prove in 2024-25: Zegras, Gauthier & McTavish
Although we may never know more than the vague “personal matter” behind Gauthier’s trade request that sent Jamie Drysdale the other way, he’s done everything right since joining the Ducks. He’s shown nothing but commitment and leadership, even attending development and rookie camp when he didn’t have to—a move that makes him one of the only players from his draft class to do so. Gauthier has made it a priority to get stronger, adding 20 pounds this offseason. He’s determined to meet, and perhaps exceed, the high expectations placed upon him.
Expectations are high—perhaps unrealistically so. It’s tough to predict exactly where Gauthier will slot into the lineup, though I’m fairly confident he’ll land on the top line. Still, nothing is guaranteed.
If Gauthier stays healthy and plays a full 82-game season on the top line, I could see him pushing for 20 goals, with 25 being within reach if he clicks with Carlsson.
I could see him putting up a point total in the range of 40-45, potentially pushing for 50. If he reaches those numbers—especially if he breaks the 50-point mark—he’ll have a strong shot at winning the Calder Trophy. Either way, expect him to be a top-3 contender. If the Ducks go with the “Leo Carlsson plan” and manage his games, a 15-goal season with around 30 points seems reasonable. Anything below 10 goals would be a major disappointment in my eyes.
Thank you for reading, and GO DUCKS!
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