The Toronto Maple Leafs announced today that centermen Frederik Gauthier will be out at least two games with a foot injury. He will miss the team’s road trip against the Nashville Predators and Buffalo Sabres. He will then be re-evaluated after that.
Leafs forward Frederik Gauthier (foot) will not travel with the team for the next two games in Nashville and Buffalo and will be re-evaluated on Thursday. #LeafsForever
— Leafs PR (@LeafsPR) March 18, 2019
Frederik Gauthier Out
Frederik Gauthier has been a pleasant surprise for the Leafs this year. He is known for his size and because of that was drafted as a first rounder in 2013. The Leafs took him 21st overall. From 2015-18 he had played 30 NHL games for the Leafs, however, never seemed to fit. His speed wasn’t NHL standards and he was never a point scorer.
His career looked to be turning around in the AHL. However, he broke his leg in the Marlies playoffs off of a dirty hit by Jake Dotchin. Fans were unsure of what Gauthier would become. However, this year he has shown to be a solid 4th line center. He has just 12 points in 62 games, but his role as a grinding shutdown center has been embraced. He has just a 46.52CF%, however, he gives up the least CA/60 of any Leafs forward.
His line never produces much when he is on but they don’t give up much either.
Going Forward
For the next few games expect deadline acquisition Nic Petan to get playing time. He will likely play along Trevor Moore and Tyler Ennis. That line has all kinds of potential to be a solid scoring fourth line. Three guys who are known to have some skill and can still wear down opposing fourth lines.
With the Leafs almost guaranteed to be playing the Boston Bruins in round one, expect them to make sure Frederik Gauthier is 100% before bringing him back. Health for the playoffs will be more important than winning the final few games.
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