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Maple Leafs: Frederik Gauthier Flying Under The Radar

By Luke Ryan |

With all of the talk about the Maple Leafs future focusing on the likes of Marner, Nylander, Kapanen and Brown, it’s easy to overlook Frederik Gauthier.

The Quebec native, drafted 21st overall in the first round of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, should make the cut on the main Maple Leafs roster someday soon.

Frederik doesn’t necessarily offer up the same set of highlight reel skills that will be expected of Marner and company, but what he does offer is a solid two-way game and a strong defensive skill set, especially on face-offs.

Maple Leafs assistant general manager Kyle Dubas, speaking to NHL.com gave an evaluation that strongly suggests they see a future spot for him on the main roster.

“He’s a guy that coaches really like. They play him a lot and use him on every defensive-zone face-off. For every important face-off he is on the ice. He’s the guy you go and watch and you may not find him as visually appeasing [sic] but boy, he is extremely effective.” (NHL.com)

His numbers reflect this, representing solid years with Rimouski Oceanic in Quebec, but his 16 goals and 16 assists in 37 games last year don’t scream first line center, but they don’t capture all of the elements that make up the player. Having won the Guy Carbonneau Trophy this previous season as the QMJHL Best Defensive Forward, it’s clear he is viewed in high regard, not just by his own coaching staff.

His skills lend themselves perfectly on the penalty kill and should he finds himself playing professionally this year, I’d expect him to be drafted into special teams for that purpose.

Gauthier was more than happy to go on the record, at the Maple Leafs development camp, confidently putting forward his expectations for the coming season.

“My goal this year is to make the team. I think I worked hard last year and the year before and I think I am ready. I’m going to keep working out and improving and try to make the team.” (NHL.com)

Of course, the youngster is aiming high but given the rhetoric around the Maple Leafs and keeping the lid on their prospects, I’d say the Marlies team would be the most likely one he’ll be making.

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At 6’4” and packing a solid 216 lbs frame, he doesn’t reflect the recent draft profile of the smaller, more skilled forward. This shouldn’t be a disadvantage though; as he represents exactly the sort of forward any team can find a spot on the roster for.

For now, the sky is the limit for Frederik Gauthier, as a Leafs’ first round pick that doesn’t have the expectations of Maple Leafs Nation riding as heavily on his shoulders.

I believe he can build on his junior league experience and break out for a solid first season in the pros.

He can certainly be counted upon to offer some defensive stability from the front and it’s only a matter of time, in my books, before a call-up to the big leagues occurs.

In the meantime, I’m happy for his obvious skill to continue to fly under the radar.

Next: Three Maple Leafs On The Hot Seat

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