Former Maple Leafs First-Round Pick Signs Unconventional Contract to Keep Playing Career Alive

Drafted 21st overall in 2013, Frederik Gauthier was supposed to be a long-term fix for the Maple Leafs at center. Unfortunately, between changes in management, a questionable development plan, and not being put in a position to succeed, Gauthier's time with the Leafs never really panned out like anyone had hoped

After parts of five seasons and 168 games with the Leafs, Gauthier bounced between the NHL and AHL for the next two seasons with the Arizona Coyotes and New Jersey Devils organizations.

Failing to secure an NHL or AHL deal for the 2022-23 season, the 6'5, 238-pound forward joined HC Ajoie in the Swiss League, where he spent two seasons. After spending last season in the KHL, Gauthier rejoined them for this season with an unconventional contract.

The 30-year-old signed a 3.5 month contract with HC Ajoie that will keep him with the club until mid-November with an option to extend for the full season.

Gauthier has not only signed an unconventional deal to continue playing this season, but he was always considered a reach in the first round, as many had projected his potential as nothing more than a third-line center. It was certainly a miss by the Leafs, given the fact that Shea Theodore, Jason Dickinson and Ryan Hartman were all drafted later in that round.

At 30, there may not be much hope for Gauthier to pick up the pieces and string together enough strong performances to earn another look at the NHL level, but I suppose stranger things have happened.