Toronto Maple Leafs: Frederik Gauthier Has Earned His Shot

Early Tuesday morning, the Toronto Maple Leafs recalled Frederik Gauthier from the Toronto Marlies, their AHL affiliate.

The Goat is back, folks! Can I get an amen?

Now, this isn’t the first time that Gauthier’s been given an NHL promotion this season. And yet, it may be the first time he’s truly earned one.

Gauthier’s journey back from injury this season has been nothing short of remarkable. In fact, that he’s physically able to sit down at this point is astounding.

While the tribulations of which Gauthier underwent this past summer have been well publicized, allow me to refresh your memory.

In May, during the Marlies second-round playoff series against the Syracuse Crunch, Gauthier ended up on the receiving end of a thoroughly dirty hit, courtesy of the human trash can known as Jake Dotchin.

The hit literally stripped the muscle off Gauthier’s calf, requiring a lengthy six month recovery period. For a prospect already fighting an uphill battle against the depth chart, this set back could not have arrived at a worse time. And yet, come November, he was back in the Marlies lineup.

Respect, Freddy. Respect.

Growth

Working the Toronto Marlies beat this season has given me the opportunity to observe the progression of certain players through a unique lens.

Gauthier, without a doubt, has been one of the players who has fascinated me the most.

Once thought of as a punchline, an unfortunate victim of Dave Nonis’ infatuation with drafting for need, Gauthier is beginning to shed the shackles of that distinction.

Not only has his speed has improved to a noticeable degree, but he’s also developed himself into a vital penalty killing asset, going as far as to show the momentary flare of the offensive. Gauthier will never become an offensive dynamo, he has 8 points in 25 games this season for the Marlies, but he can light the lamp occasionally.

I mean, just watch this goal he scored against NHL goaltender Andrew Hammond on New Year’s Eve. It was so filthy, it nearly caused a riot in the Ricoh Coliseum press box.

That’s not a fluke. That’s real, honest to goodness skill.

What Changed?

Listed at 6’5 and 220 pounds, Gauthier is a big boy. With that said, in years past he’s rarely played like it.

Well, folks, that doesn’t seem to be the case anymore. This season, Gauthier has finally begun using his massive frame to create space for himself, as evidenced in the clip above. In doing so, it has allowed him to compensate for his relatively lacklustre footspeed, through a mix of proper positioning and gap control.

In person, Gauthier looks trimmer and more muscular than at any point in his professional career. While remaining a physical force, it seems he’s succeeded in shedding some excess weight, in turn giving him a dimension of agility.

While these developmental progressions are occurring far longer after he was drafted than would have been preferred, do not let that deter you. They are indeed happening, and that is an incredibly helpful development for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Which leads me to…

What Does this Mean for the Leafs?

Per Dailyfaceoff.com, Gauthier is projected to slot into the Leafs lineup tonight, as they take on the Tampa Bay Lightning. While notable, this serves as perhaps more of an inditement on Dominic Moore‘s recent play than as a commendation of Gauthier’s.

Lately, Moore has been bad. Like, really bad.

Against Arizona, he took two retaliatory minor penalties, both of which cost his team. For a veteran player brought in specifically to provide “stability”, that’s simply unacceptable.

Mike “Tie Goes to the Veteran” Babcock replacing a 37-year-old with a 22-year-old same-day call-up sends a clear message. Specifically, that Moore’s recent play cannot continue. Now, Gauthier’s getting a shot.

So, if Freddy can keep up his recent level of play from the AHL, this lineup change may become permanent. All we can do is wait an see.

Next: Analyzing Komarov's Playing Time