Making a news splash this Monday evening, the Philadelphia Flyers trade their prospect Cutter Gauthier to the Anaheim Ducks for Jamie Drysdale. This is a bit of a shocker in the hockey community, but when you take a closer look, it may not be such a shock. According to a finding of Frank Seravalli, it appears as though Gauthier, the current Boston College player, and the fifth overall pick by the Flyers in 2022, was not interested in playing in Philly. Furthermore, this was a bit of a unique opportunity to land a player of Gauthier’s talent. Drysdale with plenty of potential in his own right, has missed around two months thus far with injury. He has not established a big level of comfort as a young defenceman in the league. Therefore, a swap of young, potential great NHLers makes sense for all parties involved.
Sources say Cutter Gauthier informed #Flyers organization he did not want to play in Philadelphia.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) January 9, 2024
The Ducks Acquire a Great Piece in Cutter Gauthier via Trade From the Flyers
Cutter Gauthier is well on his way to becoming an excellent NHL player. He just returned from Gothenburg, Sweden when he wore the ‘A’ and helped lead his Team USA to Gold at the 2024 World Junior Championships. In addition, he added two goals and ten assists in seven games. So far, in 49 career games in university, he has scored 60 points. At 6’2″, Gauthier has the potential to use his strength to become an elite point-getter in the NHL. Perhaps he can link up and find a little magic with fellow young, American budding superstar, Trevor Zegras. At 22, and a Boston University alum, Zegras would be a great mentor for a younger Gauthier. Names like Leo Carlsson or Mason McTavish are also there as great young players. This idea has the potential of paying off in spades for the Ducks franchise.
TRADE ALERT: We have acquired defenseman Jamie Drysdale and a second-round selection in the 2025 NHL Draft from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for forward Cutter Gauthier. https://t.co/sxQDDJRVtD
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) January 9, 2024
What Does this Mean for Drysdale and the Flyers?
It is always a bit of a surprise when young NHLers are traded. Drysdale has the potential to become a top-four defenceman for years to come for the Flyers. He has struggled a bit with inconsistency, but the Flyers will give him every opportunity to grow. Given the fact they didn’t give up a roster piece to acquire Drysdale, there is no pressure on him to play a specific role. They can let him grow into that part. This is Drysdale’s fourth year in the NHL. In 2021-22, he had a terrific season, with 32 points in 81 games as a 19-year-old. Unfortunately, he has been plagued with injuries a bit. Along with the two months missed this year, he missed most of the year in 2022-23 with a shoulder injury. However, this should be a great place for him to grow his game, confidence, and strength, and establish himself.
Main photo: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
