Former Toronto Maple Leafs Goat to find pasture in the desert.
The day that Toronto Maple Leafs fans everywhere have feared is finally upon us, the day that the Arizona Coyotes successfully lured away Toronto’s big Center.
What’s that? It’s not Auston Matthews, so who’d they get? (Checks notes) ah, I see. Better luck next time Arizona (that’s a joke too, the Coyotes may not even exist when Matthews hits free agency.)
Jokes aside, I am, of course, talking about the recent news that former Leafs 1st round draft pick Frederik Gauthier is considering signing a Professional Try-Out contract with Arizona, as reported by Elliotte Friedman on Tuesday.
Toronto Maple Leafs and Freddie Gauthier
The big-bodied Center exits the Leafs organization with 168 regular-season NHL games, 13 goals, and 18 assists, as well as 8 playoff games. In the minor leagues, Gauthier played 159 regular-season games for the Toronto Marlies, a tenure that saw him put up a total of 49 points (17 goals). In the playoffs, he played in 35 games total and put up 12 points. His AHL career ended with lifting the Cader Cup as a member of the championship winning 2017-18 Marlies.
A somewhat polarizing draft pick at 21st overall in 2013, Gauthier did eventually succeed on his (admittedly low) ceiling and settled into a staple on Toronto’s fourth-line and filled in as an injury-replacement at times on the third-line.
Looking back at his draft year and seeing now-NHL mainstays such as Shea Theodore, Brett Pesce, and Jake Guentzel, it’s not hard to be disappointed in the decision to draft him, but then again, that was back in the Dave Nonis era, so is it really all that surprising?
Criticism against “The Goat” was centered mainly on his reluctance to play the body, despite a 6’5, 240-pound frame that positioned him as one of the physically largest Leafs. That’s one facet that, for one reason or another, just is not a part of this guy’s game, so if you’re an Arizona Coyotes fan reading this (I know there has to be at least 10 of you out there), and you value size over skill, then you’re going to be sorely disappointed by a guy who is, quite honestly, a quietly effective depth player.
With the Coyotes, Gauthier must first have a successful camp and secure a contract. Beyond that, continuing his solid, inoffensive play should establish Freddy the Goat as a potential third-liner on a team that’s had…. let’s call it “troubles” this offseason.
Farewell sweet Goat, and best of luck in the desert.