Frederick Gauthier
Paradoxically, 2012-13 was a bizarre year for the Leafs. Playing close to the worst possession hockey in the NHL, the team still qualified for the postseason in the strike-shortened season. Finishing third in the Atlantic Division, they drew the powerhouse Bruins. In any case, we all know what happened in game seven. Enough said!
Ultimately, losing season after season cost Burke his job. Out with Burke, in with Dave Nonis. As general manager, Nonis set out to prove the previous 4 ½ years of Leafs mismanagement were Burke’s responsibility. Nonis had the toolbox, unfortunately, he lacked the tools to right the good ship Maple Leafs. In any case, he took a floundering franchise and ran it aground.
After qualifying for the playoffs for the first time in eight years, Nonis and the Leafs had the 23rd pick in 2013. They selected hulking defensive forward Frederick Gauthier. A big strong centre who excels at faceoffs, Gauthier anchored Canada’s checking line at the IIHF Junior Tournament 2011 thru 2015. Gauthier was considered the best defensive centre in the QMJHL his draft year and while he hovered around a ppg, his 60 points in 62 games with the Rimouski Oceanic was good enough for fourth in team scoring.
Be that as it may, Nonis had hoped that his offensive game would develop. At any rate, the Goat remained at under a ppg during the rest of his junior career mostly due to deficiencies in his skating and mobility.
Gauthier has worked diligently with Barb Underhill the past three seasons and has become the Toronto Marlies most improved player. In my opinion, the Goat is the most underrated while most improved Marlies player. His skating is now of NHL calibre. He has learned to use his size to defend, close gaps and finish his check without taking penalties. Unfortunately, just as his career trajectory was pointing to the NHL, the Goat suffered a season-ending knee injury during the second round of the Calder Cup playoffs. After surgery, he will miss training camp and there is no news speculating on his return.
While the 2013 draft was not considered deep by many experts, André Burakovsky and Shea Theodore were still available when Nonis picked Gauthier.
The Leafs picks from 2010 onwards→ Ross, Biggs, Percy, Rielly and Gauthier.
The Leafs could have had → Seguin, Hamilton, Rakell, Rielly and André Burakovsky (Shea Theodore).