Cutter Gauthier wouldn't be able to go to Philadelphia, and he didn't want to go.
Gauthier was traded from the Flyers to the Ducks on Monday night after informing the team that drafted him that he did not want to play in Philadelphia. This was reported by hockey official Frank Seravari.
The Flyers were able to acquire defenseman Jamie Drysdale and a 2025 second-round draft pick as part of the deal.
General manager Danny Briere acknowledged that Gauthier told the Flyers that he didn't want to play for the team and said the trade was “a long time away.”
The Flyers selected Gauthier with the fifth overall pick in the 2022 draft, and while he initially seemed excited about coming to the City of Brotherly Love, his attitude has changed.
Brielle didn't understand what had changed.
“It's been going on for a while,” Briere told reporters Monday night. By NBC Sports Philadelphia. “We tried to give him space and tried to contact him many times. They wouldn't communicate.
“At some point, we have to make a decision. Given what happened just a few days ago, we thought now is probably the time to get the best value.”
Keith Jones, the Flyers' director of hockey operations and Briere's brainchild, traveled to Sweden to speak with Gauthier at the IIHF World Junior Championship, but according to multiple reports, Gauthier declined to have a conversation with them. He reportedly refused.
Flyers Chairman and CEO Daniel Hilferty said, “I feel bad for Cutter…Well, I don't really think it would be a bad thing for Cutter to come to Philadelphia.'' Said. “The road here is going to be tough, but he earned it. We are Philadelphians and we want people who want to be here with us.”
As a result, Philadelphia has begun negotiations with 18-20 teams to sign Gauthier, who scored two goals and a conference-leading 12 points in seven games. Reported by Serabari.
The 19-year-old had 13 goals and 23 points in 17 games for Boston College this season.
