Ryan Getzlaf showed a negative progression in junior after the draft. He's is one of the top centers and players in all of hockey. Not that Gauthier compares to him but this straight line 'progression' is silly. Players take different paths.
For anyone expecting Gauthier to be a sniper or big point producer they just don't get it anyhow. His game is built on his defense, faceoffs and size. Every team needs a top defensive center. That's what the Leafs thought they were drafting when they picked this kid -- not the next Crosby.
Wasn't that obvious? I have been hoping he develops into a top 3rd line center that fills into an ok number 2 if injuries occur. It would be a perfect scenario if we had 3 quality centers ex. Bozak, Kadri, Nylander (regardless of order) ahead of him so he sits on the 4th line. Also someone that can be trusted to play the majority of the final 10 minutes in a 4-1 lead in a game 7. If he puts up points that's just gravy.
People always will talk about how there were other scoring players around him, but we needed someone who, if he reaches his potential, will be a controlled asset at low cost. We all know how we fare with 3rd liners in free agency. Having him cheap allows us to have cap space for the skilled players. That in it's self that makes him valuable to the team if he reaches his defensive potential.
Now all this is speculation he is still a prospect, like many others we have, we will see where his path takes him. For now why not try cheering and supporting our prospects. Don't we as Leaf fans want them to succeed and reach their potential and possibly exceed it? We should be positive and when it's all said and done then you can make your judgement. That doesn't mean look through rose coloured glasses, if the player isn't playing well call them out, but you can still support them ie. "Player A played like absolute crap, forget that game and come out hard the next one". Just let the players play their game if the succeed great, if they don't they or management have to change something.
So as long as Gauthier plays his Defensive game then he played well if he put up points as well, then he played great. If he had a poor defensive game then he played like crap. If he plays bad defensively and puts up points he still only played mediocre, because his main priority is the defensive game, and of course the win.
An example of a player and pick I didn't really like and I don't think will pan out is Biggs. However I always want him to do well because he is a Leafs prospect. If he plays poor he either doesn't deserve to play or should be sent down until he earns it back. If he plays well he deserves ice time and possible more if he earns it. That's how we should look at all prospects regardless of draft number or where you're born or anything else. The only thing that matters is their play, and behavior on and off the ice. Of course their play is determined by the role the are playing.
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