Cutter Gauthier, renowned for his exceptional goal-scoring prowess, recently inked a three-year entry-level contract with the Anaheim Ducks following his impressive performance with Boston College in the NCAA Frozen Four. Gauthier, who clinched the title of the highest goal scorer in NCAA history over the past 25 years, is anticipated to step onto the NHL stage this Thursday as the Ducks conclude their season against Vegas.
The Ducks secured Gauthier’s rights from Philadelphia in exchange for defenseman Jamie Drysdale and a 2025 second-round pick. Originally the fifth overall pick by the Flyers in the 2022 NHL draft, Gauthier’s departure from Philadelphia was attributed to his reluctance to engage with the team, including his refusal to sign or train with them, as stated by Flyers GM Danny Briere in January.
Gauthier’s remarkable statistics speak volumes about his impact on the ice. With 38 goals to his name, he shares the record for most goals by a collegiate player in the past 25 seasons with Ryan Potulny. Additionally, he topped the NCAA charts in game-winning goals (10), ranked second in points (65), and shared second place in power-play goals (13). These achievements earned him recognition as a Hobey Baker Award finalist, an honor bestowed upon the premier player in college hockey.
Beyond his collegiate success, Gauthier’s influence extended to the international stage, where he played a pivotal role in Team USA’s gold medal triumph at the recent World Junior Championship. With 12 points, including two goals and ten assists, he emerged as one of the tournament’s standout forwards.
Gauthier’s arrival marks a significant addition to the Anaheim Ducks, who have been striving to reclaim their postseason presence since 2018, with the promising prospect joining a cadre of top-10 picks drafted since 2019.
