Prospect Info: With the 22nd overall pick in the 2022 draft, the Ducks select Nathan Gaucher

[Hockey Duckie]

We rave about Lundestrom, who likely will top out as an elite 3rd line center, yet complain about about Gaucher topping out as an elite 3rd liner. Oh the irony... Getting 3rd liners out of late first round draft picks is above the norm for that draft position. I wanted them to swing for the fences on Lambert, but I completely understand the pick.

That's because we already have Lundestrom. And we also have C Bo Groulx, yet another defensive specialist with some offense.

QMJHL productions

Groulx (D+0): 68 gp; 28g + 27a = 55 pts​

Gaucher (D+0): 66 gp; 31g + 26a = 57 pts​

It's kinda redundant, except that Gaucher is more physical and faster than Groulx at their respective draft time. What Lundy does have hand over fists on both is that Lundy is even faster and even better defensively at his respective draft time. Lundy was labeled as the most NHL-ready prospect, unfortunately, we put that idea to the test in his rookie year.

Improving the bottom-6 is a good thing, but we're missing top-6 talent depth. If we're gonna add a forward, then at least give us more upside potential. There was Lambert and Kulich available for the Ducks with top-6 potential.

But getting a defensive forward specialist with 3C ceiling doesn't seem right asset use. If we're that hell bent on a physical defensive presence and could be on the ice even longer, then why not a physical defenseman?

Maybe Gaucher can be Max Jones, but with more offensive talent. That could be helpful if he were on a line with Zegras. That's the hope b/c I don't think he'll displace Lundy at center. I still don't understand the pick, but I'll pull for him since he's a Duck now.

Yeah, you’re not going to get a can’t miss top 6 at 22. You can go boom/bust or a safe pick. Verbeek went the safe route.

Kinda odd. You'd figure to go safe at the NHL level and go upside at the draft. Instead, Verbeek didn't go the safe route at the NHL level by trading all UFA's, but goes safe, 3C at 22? Even Lundy had 2C potential in his scouting report.

 

[Sean Garrity]

That's because we already have Lundestrom. And we also have C Bo Groulx, yet another defensive specialist with some offense.

QMJHL productions

Groulx (D+0): 68 gp; 28g + 27a = 55 pts​

Gaucher (D+0): 66 gp; 31g + 26a = 57 pts​

It's kinda redundant, except that Gaucher is more physical and faster than Groulx at their respective draft time. What Lundy does have hand over fists on both is that Lundy is even faster and even better defensively at his respective draft time. Lundy was labeled as the most NHL-ready prospect, unfortunately, we put that idea to the test in his rookie year.

Improving the bottom-6 is a good thing, but we're missing top-6 talent depth. If we're gonna add a forward, then at least give us more upside potential. There was Lambert and Kulich available for the Ducks with top-6 potential.

But getting a defensive forward specialist with 3C ceiling doesn't seem right asset use. If we're that hell bent on a physical defensive presence and could be on the ice even longer, then why not a physical defenseman?

Maybe Gaucher can be Max Jones, but with more offensive talent. That could be helpful if he were on a line with Zegras. That's the hope b/c I don't think he'll displace Lundy at center. I still don't understand the pick, but I'll pull for him since he's a Duck now.

I don't disagree (too much) with anything that you said. As I stated I would've preferred to take a swing on Lambert at 22 and I also wanted to trade up to get Nazar, Lekkerimaki, or Kemell. I could see Gaucher's skillset translating to the wing more-so than Lundy's and he seems to be exactly what Verbeek stated that he was looking for.

 

[MMC]

 

[bsu]

I hope he can atleast fight..... He seems like a big goof ball

 

[KaseMeOutside]

Also, people are seeming bummed out about Jones on this board, Max Jones f***ing rules he just can't stay healthy. Absolutely love what that guy brings when he's in the lineup. You'll all remember once October rolls around.

this is true, I usually like him when he plays, but it's 6 years since he's been drafted and he has failed to put it together for one reason or another, i think we're just disappointed that everything about him harps on his size and not talent, talent has to always be first.....

 

[Kariya 9]

Or could be a bigger Ryan Kesler

Kesler in Getzlaf’s body.

 

[Boo Boo]

I’m goos with it if he can be a dependable third liner who can sit on goalies once in a while in the playoffs.

He plays with the right effort and seems like he has a good shot and anticipation.

 

[KaseMeOutside]

"We added two highly competitive players with size and skill, each with great hockey sense." said Ducks General Manager Pat Verbeek, also referencing 10th overall pick Pavel Mintyukov. "Both players will be great additions to the core of our future moving forward."

this is a generic statement and he doesn't explain what makes them skilled or having great hockey sense

 

[GunnarStahl]

Important to remember that big players are more often late bloomers as well. Will be interesting to see where he goes over the course of the next two years.

 

[AngelDuck]

I feel better about this one for sure the more I read. The fact that his skating is at least solid makes me optimistic he’s got more fame than just a mucker. I hope his hands are good

 

[Masch78]

I do have a strong Brandon Tracey moment right now. Personally I would have taken the risk going with Yurov or Lambert here.

 

[AngelDuck]

Where would you guys rank him in our prospect pool? Before or after a guy like Pastujov?

 

[c4rcy]

Admittedly I was probably a bit too rushed on making a baseless judgment on this guy, but the more I see and read about him, the better I feel, much like others.

If he ends up as a middle 6 center with a decent defensive game and Minty ends up a Fowler-like replacement, I think this becomes an absolutely unreal draft for the team already.

 

[JabbaJabba]

I am pretty happy with this pick. Lundeström -type player. You need good defensive centers to win it. I like that he's the captain of his team and that he's one of the best defensive centers in his league. Fine skater as well. We'll see what he can do in a couple of years.

 

[KaseMeOutside]

Where would you guys rank him in our prospect pool? Before or after a guy like Pastujov?

Off the top of my head 7th or 8th, McTavish, Zell, Dostal, Mintyukov all would be clearly above for me, he'd be in the group with Pasta/Perrault/Thrun etc

He was nominated for QMJHL best defensive forward twice for a reason, so he's got that going for him

 

[Smirnov2Chistov]

Where would you guys rank him in our prospect pool? Before or after a guy like Pastujov?

Definitely before Pastujov.

 

[mighty Stanley Duck]

Since we drafted him, I wish him all the best.

Nathan Gaucher To Anaheim | J

Remparts forward Nathan Gaucher doesn't have to wonder what pair of shoes to wear to go to the arena.

www.spamchronicles.com

He had pre draft meetings with our staff, so we were really high on him.

 

[ShadowDuck]

I’ll gladly take him if he ends up with a Manny Malhotra type of career

 

[WhatTheDuck]

Important to remember that big players are more often late bloomers as well. Will be interesting to see where he goes over the course of the next two years.

Maybe but he already has an extra year of junior under his belt compared to a lot of first year eligibles. As a late 03 birthdate rather than an 04 like the bulk of this class, he's already completed three years of junior. A lot of the draft eligible guys from the OHL really only have the one junior season due to the pandemic.

I'm hoping more so than being a late bloomer, that he's just one of those guys whose game more easily adapts to pro hockey. Sounds like he's very focused in the details and maybe he'll take off once he can play with some more talented players. With less responsibility in terms of driving the play and being able to play more off the puck, will probably suit his game more than being the guy in junior.

 

[Leonardo87]

I see Gaucher being a back up option if Lundy doesn’t make strides or is not the answer for the 3C down the road. But right now, I think Lundy has a chance to be like a Cirelli for Anaheim, if he continues to make progress.

One thing that stood out to me in his scouting report. “Fierce Forechecker“ Ducks need that.

 

[mightyquack]

Not a sexy pick, but I like what I read about him. Not the type of player we really have a lot of in the system, and I suspect he'll be an NHL player within a couple of years.

Where would you guys rank him in our prospect pool? Before or after a guy like Pastujov?

I'd have him ahead of Pastujov.

Pastujov has the higher ceiling, but Gaucher is a much safer bet to be an NHL player so I'd have him ahead based on that.

 

[Doothpick]

Hopefully he can become our Steve Rucchin.

I approve this post.

 

[Vipers31]

Not a sexy pick, but I like what I read about him. Not the type of player we really have a lot of in the system, and I suspect he'll be an NHL player within a couple of years.


I'd have him ahead of Pastujov.

Pastujov has the higher ceiling, but Gaucher is a much safer bet to be an NHL player so I'd have him ahead based on that.

While Draft position obviously becomes meaningless at some point, it makes little sense to just disregard it immediately when comparing two recently drafted prospects from the 1st and 3rd round. Sasha had a decent D+1 campaign, but hasn’t exactly made all given question marks disappear.

I was initially not too happy with the pick; don’t know about Lambert, but Yurov‘s upside seems to be so much higher. I’d still have preferred him on those grounds, but then again, we’ve seen the impact a guy like Copp can have in the playoffs this season and what kind of value teams put into them in trades, so it’s not necessarily a type of guy you could just rent for a 2nd rounder when you’re ready to contend and need to balance out your roster, either. Hope he works out fine for us.

 

[Kalv]

Highlights look alright, I like his offense better than Jones (similar type of picks), as he seem to have more awareness. I remember watching Jones in juniors and it always felt he scored in ways that would not translate to the NHL, plus he skipped on passing opportunities. Gaucher on the opposite seems to be dishing passes nicely and scoring in exactly the ways the goals are usually scored in the NHL, going to the net, grinding it out, etc. I am not sure tho how his physical tools will translate to the NHL tho, as he seems to be almost rounded out already. He will surely need some time, but he seems like he can for sure be a 4C, but goal should be at least 3C. Tbh I don't see him being a top 6 player. He is relentless which is an important attribute, but I don't see us relying on him to provide much of an offense.

 

[WhatTheDuck]

Highlights look alright, I like his offense better than Jones (similar type of picks), as he seem to have more awareness. I remember watching Jones in juniors and it always felt he scored in ways that would not translate to the NHL, plus he skipped on passing opportunities. Gaucher on the opposite seems to be dishing passes nicely and scoring in exactly the ways the goals are usually scored in the NHL, going to the net, grinding it out, etc. I am not sure tho how his physical tools will translate to the NHL tho, as he seems to be almost rounded out already. He will surely need some time, but he seems like he can for sure be a 4C, but goal should be at least 3C. Tbh I don't see him being a top 6 player. He is relentless which is an important attribute, but I don't see us relying on him to provide much of an offense.

Yeah I don't see the comparison to Jones at all, besides the obvious of being similar size forwards picked from the CHL by the Ducks.

Gaucher seems to be touted as way more of thinking man's player. Jones was basically all physical tools and was noted for being completley basic in terms of being able to use his teammates.

The fact that Gaucher plays center and is known for being responsible should really speak volumes to their differences, because no one in their right mind would even try Jones up the middle.