06/16/2022 – CanucksBanter

Independent scouting for NHL, QMJHL, OHL, WHL, USHL and NCAA teams

Scouting Report written by Paul Zuk

While the casual fan may have been focusing on the likes of Logan Cooley and Frank Nazar when it comes to American-born forward prospects for the 2022 NHL Draft, they may want to direct their attention to another US-born forward that’s eligible: Cutter Gauthier.

Gauthier was born in Skellefteå, Sweden where his father, Sean played pro hockey for the hometown team. Eventually, the Gauthier family moved back to Michigan, where Cutter began his youth hockey career for Honeybaked. Gauthier enjoyed a few successful seasons playing for Honeybaked’s AAA programs, even racking up 71 points in 84 games across all competitions in the 2018/19 season. Following one season with Compuware’s 16U AAA squad in 2019/20, Gauthier caught the eye of the NTDP.

Beginning in 2020/21, Gauthier had a very successful campaign with the U17’s, tallying 58 points in 76 games during USHL/NTDP play. He also earned a call up for the U18’s for one game but didn’t register a point. This season, Gauthier has been on a tear for the U18’s, scoring at over a point per game pace as of February 28^th, including an impressive 41 goals in only 54 games.

For the 2022/23 season, Gauthier is committed to Boston College, where he’ll join former NTDP U18 forward Andre Gasseau (Boston Bruins prospect) and Chicago Steel blue liner Lukas Gustafsson. Arguably the headliner for BC’s forward class of 22/23, Gauthier will be leaned on to be a key contributor on offense. Not only will BC’s Head Coach Jerry York enjoy being able to utilize a player with Gauthier’s skillset anywhere throughout his lineup, but Gauthier will also benefit immensely from the experience.

FOR MORE ON Cutter Gauthier HIT HERE

Independent scouting for NHL, QMJHL, OHL, WHL, USHL and NCAA teams

Scouting Report written by Austin Garrett

The USNTDP was a force to be reckoned with this year. Every game there was a new player I was making a note about, going back to watch shifts of, and honestly having a hard time ranking forwards and defensemen within the program let alone against the 2022 draft. One of the players that played a lot on the third and fourth lines this past year that continually caught my eye was Devin Kaplan.

Devin Kaplan hails from Bridgewater, NJ and played for the North Jersey Avalanche AAA program before joining the USNTDP program. He’s played primarily with Charlie Stramel and Rutger McGroarty in the games I’ve watched.

There are a few players I’ve profiled that I really enjoy watching, but when it comes to the player I think will far outperform their draft position in the 2022 draft I’d be betting on Devin Kaplan.

FOR MORE ON Devin Kaplan HIT HERE