Quote:
Originally Posted by druetetective
I know it's not fair but I keep thinking Anthony Mantha when it comes to Gauthier.
50+ goals in draft year and then 81 G in 81 GP the year after. Yet he has struggled to adjust to the pro game. He's 1 of I think 8 yet to play a Nhl game fro 2013 1st round, although Det is very patient.
I saw him at the Q-Rus game though and he was very impressive. Seems to play much more of a power game than Mantha.
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Mantha's draft year the head coach of Val d'Or was fired part way through the year.
The fired coach Marc-André Dumont has a good track record of getting players drafted. However, the coach that replaced him and finished Mantha's draft season (and is still in Val d'Or) is former World Junior head coach Mario Durocher.
Durocher is an odd coach. He doesn't develop players well, he makes poor decisions both behind the bench and as a GM, he has lost numerous dressing rooms, yet has 2 QMJHL titles, a Memorial Cup final appearance and coached the Canadian World Junior team. His resume is far more impressive than his ability (which is a special talent in and of itself).
Regardless, with Durocher don't expect Gauthier to be getting much instruction on defensive systems, nor on passing the puck. Gauthier will be getting tons of ice time, even if his play starts to slip.