The Montreal Canadiens could have added Cutter Gauthier to their prospect pool, according to a recent report.
The Philadelphia Flyers reportedly offered the Habs a trade that involved Gauthier in exchange for the fifth overall pick at the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. The Canadiens refused the deal, preferring to select defenceman David Reinbacher.
There could be more details involved that would change the value of the offer, but it seems that the Flyers were attempting to make sure prospect Matvei Michkov would fall to seventh overall, which he did even if the Canadiens refused the trade.
It would also confirm two things: the Canadiens were confident Reinbacher was the right choice with their pick, and other teams were interested in drafting the 6’2 defenceman. In the long run, the Flyers got what they wanted; a good defenceman and Michkov’s NHL rights.
Gauthier informed Flyers general manager Daniel Briere that he had no intent on signing with the team that drafted him, which led to the reported trade offer, as well as Monday’s deal between the lowly Ducks and the upstart Flyers.
The Flyers sent Gauthier to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for Jamie Drysdale and a second-round pick (2025).
All things considered, it’s a decent trade from a Flyers perspective. They had little to no leverage, but still managed to acquire a top four defenceman and a solid draft pick.
As for Gauthier, he certainly possesses the potential to become a dominant forward. He was instrumental in securing Team USA’s sixth World Junior Championship and is currently enjoying a great season playing in front of Habs prospect Jacob Fowler in the NCAA. Gauthier has scored 13 goals and 10 assists for Boston College, trailing only Gabe Perreault for the team lead in scoring. Gauthier projects as a high-volume shooter, reminiscent of former Montreal Canadiens captain Max Pacioretty.
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