ANAHEIM, Calif. – In a major NHL trade, the Anaheim Ducks have acquired forward Cutter Gauthier from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for defenseman Jamie Drysdale and a second-round pick in the 2025 draft.
The deal stems from Gauthier’s expressed desire not to sign with the Flyers, a sentiment that became apparent during the world juniors tournament where the team was unable to meet with him. The Ducks’ general manager, Daniel Briere, and assistant general manager, Brent Flahr, were in attendance at the tournament in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Gauthier is considered a top prospect with the potential to be a top-line forward. Standing at 6-foot-3, he is known for his skating ability, skill, and high-end shot. While there has been some debate over whether he is best suited as a center or a winger in the NHL due to slight concerns about his hockey sense, he excelled as Team USA’s top-line center in the most recent world juniors tournament. With the Ducks, Gauthier is expected to play on the wing alongside players like Leo Carlsson or Mason McTavish, bolstering Anaheim’s young and promising forward group.
The Ducks also had a surplus of young defensemen, including Pavel Mintyukov, who has impressed in the NHL at a young age. The presence of Drysdale, Olen Zellweger, and Tristan Luneau posed a potential logjam for power play time. While Drysdale is considered the superior defenseman among the group, Anaheim decided to leverage their depth on defense to address their need for talented forwards. The team now faces the task of building a future blue line, potentially using their first-round pick in the defense-heavy 2024 NHL Draft to add a two-way defenseman.
Although the Ducks benefit from acquiring Gauthier, Drysdale is still regarded as a valuable long-term piece for the Flyers. Despite his limited NHL experience due to injuries, Drysdale has shown the potential to be a top-four defenseman when healthy. His return could provide a much-needed boost to Philadelphia’s struggling power play.
From the Flyers’ perspective, the trade may be perceived as a loss, considering they are giving up the best player in the deal. However, considering the circumstances surrounding Gauthier’s reluctance to sign with the team, the Flyers managed to secure value in acquiring Drysdale and a second-round pick. Drysdale’s potential to develop into a top-tier defenseman justifies the trade from Philadelphia’s standpoint.
Ultimately, the Ducks emerge as the winners of this trade, solidifying their young forward group and balancing their defensive depth. With a talented core of forwards like Trevor Zegras, Mason McTavish, and Leo Carlsson, along with the addition of Gauthier, the Ducks are poised for a promising future. While the defense may be less inspiring without Drysdale, Anaheim’s long-term focus and aspirations are supported by this trade.
In summary, the Ducks receive forward Cutter Gauthier, while the Flyers acquire defenseman Jamie Drysdale and a second-round pick. Both teams address their respective needs and position themselves for success in the future.
(Divider: Getty Images)