Flyers’ Gauthier Proves He’s Ready For Next Step

According to Dan Sliver, Gauthier joined Patrik Laine, John Tavares, Steven Stamkos, Sidney Crosby and Eric Lindros as the only under-20 aged players to score 7+ goals at the IIHF World Championships over the past 30 years. Those seven tallies had the 19-year-old tied for second with teammate Rocco Grimaldi. Only Domink Kubalik scored more during the tournament.

An off-season tournament like the IIHF Worlds won’t be a proper indicator that Gauthier is destined for superstardom.

However, it should be seen as an exciting first step to what is hopefully a long and prosperous career.

Gauthier is expected to return to Boston College next season for his sophomore year and this experience should be great for his immediate development. He can now bring this experience and confidence back with him. It could help him understand what playing against professionals is like on a regular basis.

Gauthier’s shot, play-driving ability, and penchant for picking up guys up in the defensive zone were all on display throughout the tournament. There’s a good chance at least some, if not all, of those qualities can carry over to the next level. This of course depends on when he is ready to make the leap to professional hockey.

Much has deservedly been talked about how the Flyers need high-end talent in this year’s NHL Draft.

After this tournament, it may be safe to say the Flyers have at least one up-and-coming high-end star right now.