Former Leafs 1st round pick heading to Europe to continue pro hockey career
A former Leafs first round pick has been left without any NHL offers and has decided to accept a one-year deal in Europe to try to raise his stock in hopes of parlaying a strong 2022-23 season overseas into an opportunity to continue his NHL career in the future.
According to a Maple Leafs Hot Stove contributor, former 21st overall pick in 2013, Frederik Gauthier, has elected to sign a one-year deal with HC Ajoie of the Swiss National League, where he'll play with former Toronto Marlies teammate T.J. Brennan.
Gauthier spent the bulk of the 2021-22 season with the AHL's Utica Comets, suiting up in 51 games for the New Jersey Devils' AHL affiliate, posting 8 goals and 24 assists for 32 points. He also made it into 8 regular season NHL games for the Devils last season, though he was held off the scoresheet through those 8 contests and finished a -1 on the season.
At 6'5, 239 lbs, Gauthier was a Brian Burke draft pick from the "truculence" era in Toronto. Unfortunately he never amounted to much for the Leafs aside from a 4th line checking center with no offensive upside whatsoever. Gauthier played parts of 5 seasons with the Leafs before departing via free agency in 2020, inking a deal for a cup of coffee in Arizona before joining the Devils organization last summer.
In 178 career NHL games, Gauthier has managed just 13 goals and 31 points and 47 penalty minutes.
Previously on MapleLeafsDaily
POLL |
AOUT 2 | 541 ANSWERS Former Leafs 1st round pick heading to Europe to continue pro hockey career Will Frederik Gauthier ever play in the NHL again? |
No | 465 | 86 % |
Yes | 76 | 14 % |
List of polls |
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