Boston College may have fallen in the NCAA Championship to the University of Denver, but Cutter Gauthier is all smiles today as he signs an entry-level contract with the Anaheim Ducks. The three-year deal will begin immediately.
Cutter is a Duck!
We have signed forward Cutter Gauthier to a three-year entry-level contract.#FlyTogether | @EandELaw https://t.co/rZCXGkXTCG
— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) April 14, 2024
Cutter Gauthier Signs with Anaheim
Cutter Gauthier has gotten a lot of attention as a top NHL prospect and now has a chance to show what he can do on the big stage. Drafted fifth overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, Gauthier was set to be a big piece of the Flyers future. However, Gauthier indicated that he did not want to play in Philadelphia. This led to the Flyers making a trade with Anaheim to acquire Jamie Drysdale and a second-round draft pick in exchange for Gauthier.
With Boston College this season, Gauthier had 38 goals which led the entire NCAA. He also led in game-winning goals with ten and was second in points. Notably, he was one of three finalists for the Hobey Baker Award for the best player in college hockey. He shared that honour with winner Macklin Celebrini of Boston University and Carolina Hurricanes prospect Jackson Blake of North Dakota. He was part of a very strong Boston College team that made it to the NCAA Championship and featured other top-end NHL prospects.
What This Means
When Anaheim made the move to get Gauthier, they likely had confidence of bringing him into the fold. But now it’s official. Gauthier is a very strong prospect who has been very effective in the NCAA. He may see NHL time this year as well. He joins a very young but promising Anaheim Ducks squad that features many high-level prospects and up and up-and-coming players. This includes Leo Carlsson and Mason McTavish. Ducks fans will be excited to see what their newest player can bring at the NHL level.
Main Photo Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
