Boston College standout Cutter Gauthier has signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Anaheim Ducks, making his NHL debut on Thursday. The center is likely to set new records for most goals scored by a collegiate player in the last 25 seasons when he plays at Vegas. His rights were acquired from Philadelphia for defenseman Jamie Drysdale and a 2025 second-round pick.
Gauthier was the fifth overall pick by the Flyers in the 2022 NHL draft but was traded in January because he refused to sign, train or communicate with Philadelphia. He led the NCAA in game-winning goals (10), was second in points (65) and tied for second in power-play goals (13). His 38 goals are tied with Ryan Potulny, who played for Minnesota in 2005-06, for most by a collegiate player in the last 25 seasons.
The center also co-led all players in scoring at the recent World Junior Championship, where he helped Team USA win a gold medal. He had 12 points (two goals, ten assists) and was named the tournament’s best forward. Gauthier will be the fifth top 10 pick since the 2019 draft to join the Ducks, who have not made the playoffs since 2018.
