(Anaheim) Forward Cutter Gauthier signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday.
Gauthier is expected to make his NHL debut Thursday night, when the Ducks conclude their season by facing the Vegas Golden Knights.
Gauthier’s rights were acquired from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for defenseman Jamie Drysdale and a second-round pick in 2025. He was selected by the Flyers fifth overall in the 2022 draft.
Flyers general manager Daniel Brière said in January that he traded Gauthier because the latter did not want to get along, train or even communicate with the Philadelphia squad.
Gauthier’s 38 goals this season with the Boston College Eagles tied the highest total since 2005-06, when Ryan Potulny achieved the feat with the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers.
Gauthier led the NCAA in game-winning goals (10) and finished second with 65 points. He helped the Eagles reach the final of the National University Hockey Championship, but the team lost to the Denver University Pioneers this weekend.
Gauthier was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Trophy, awarded to the best player in university hockey.
He also helped the United States win the gold medal at the most recent World Junior Hockey Championship. Gauthier tied for the lead in scoring with 12 points and was named the tournament’s top forward.