[devo22]

Originally Posted by 1qqaaz

What's the scoop on Ethan Gauthier? Does anyone have any opinions on him?

Scott Wheelers recent writeup:

2. Ethan Gauthier, RW, 18 (Drummondville Voltigeurs)

Gauthier, the No. 1 pick in the 2021 QMJHL draft and son of former 10-year NHLer Denis Gauthier, is widely credited for his pro-style game and consistency. He had a strong showing at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup (where he scored six goals in five games). He had a strong draft year with a top team in Sherbrooke. He’s now having a strong post-draft season with another top team in Drummondville. He’s just a good hockey player. He’s not a star, but he’s a solid B-plus prospect who has an opportunity to become an up-and-down-the-lineup, plug-and-play NHLer.

He brings a lot to the table. He’s a versatile, hardworking player who excels in pretty much every facet of the game, gets to the middle of the ice, and makes plays around the net through skill and timing. He’s consistent shift-to-shift and game-to-game and while he might lack the dynamism of a true top prospect, he can make plays in a variety of ways on and off the puck and the ice usually tilts in his team’s favor when he’s out there (it’s also not a coincidence he has played on winning teams the last two years in the Q). He’s going to be an NHLer — I think the bigger question is whether he’s going to be more of a middle-six or bottom-six player who can jump up in a pinch. He’s a good, effective hockey player though, there’s no question about that. Detail, work ethic and pro habits can take a player a long way.