Could the Toronto Maple Leafs Bring Back Frederik Gauthier?

The Toronto Maple Leafs already said goodbye to Frederik Gauthier, but could they bring him back?

It was no surprise that the Toronto Maple Leafs moved on from Frederik Gauthier, but it doesn’t particularly mean his career is finished with the team. Drafted 21st overall in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, Freddie “The Goat” Gauthier didn’t pan out like many first-round picks do.

Although he was a point-per-game player in the QJMHL, he wasn’t a dominate offensive threat. At 6-foot-5, 240 pounds, it was always his size that made him an attractive prospect. However, he never seemed to use his body to his advantage.

Gauthier was never a dominating power-forward, which his size would suggest he become. He was more of a defensive two-way player that could win some face-offs, play on the fourth-line, but never really contribute offensively. Seven years after drafting him, it became clear that the “Goat” Experiment was over.

With Free Agency pending, the Leafs wanted to clear any cap-space necessary to acquire new talent. As a result, Gauthier was a victim of that and the team decided not to tender his contract, making him a Free Agent.

However, it’s now mid-December, the NHL is scheduled to start their season in a month and the “Goat” is without a home.

Could the Leafs Bring the “Goat” Back?

Cap-space is an issue but on a two-way contract, it could make sense. From all reports, the “Goat” was beloved by teammates, so bringing him back wouldn’t cause any issues in the dressing room. Also, he knows the system and is a good depth player in case of injury.

Obviously, Gauthier would love to sign a one-way contract with an NHL team, but at this point, I can’t really see it happening. A two-way minimum contract seems like his best chance at getting back to the NHL and why not join the Toronto Maple Leafs/Toronto Marlies organization, as it’s somewhere he’s familiar with?

No player ever wants to go backwards in their career, but it could be a situation where you take one step back, and two steps forward. The “Goat” could be a good player for the Marlies and a veteran for the youngsters to learn from. Not only that, but based on his long relationship with Kyle Dubas, I’m sure he would trade him to any team that is willing to give him another shot in the NHL.

Bringing Gauthier back wouldn’t change anything within the organizational depth chart. In fact, it would only bolster the roster and give the team one more centre in case of an emergency. With Covid-19 still a risk, you’re going to need more depth than ever this season, so one more player never hurts.

Nobody’s ever said a bad thing about the “Goat” so Toronto, do the right thing and bring him back, even if it’s just with the Marlies. I’ve got a few jigsaw puzzles and Chipotle gift-cards in it for him, if he comes back.