I'm not sure who was imposing that rap, but I'm not sure where it's justified when looking at the numbers prior to being drafted. This is ignoring the "eye test", because I don't have one (literally, poison ivy has one of my eyes swollen shut, atm):
62GP/9G/21A
68GP/38G/35A
54GP/41G/16A
Couple that with this past year:
46GP/17G/34A
I'm not saying those assist numbers prove he utilized his teammates, but the year where he had nearly 3x more assists than goals is clearly an anomaly. If assists do, even in a small way, measure his ability to utilize his teammates, he's doing just fine, thankyouverymuch.
G - the rap came from a number of folks (I'll look for the links if I can), but there were also rumors that this was the thing the coaches told him to work on. While it doesn't always manifest itself in increased assist totals, the issue, if I understand it correctly had a lot to do with doing more than just "going to the front of the net" both with and without the puck.
As far as saying this season is an anomaly, I beg to differ. To me it reflects a guy who made a significant attempt to hear what his coaches are telling him and to attempt to improve in a particular area. One only has to look at what our own Haydn Fleury did. Many have rightfully defended his D+1 season and its reduced offensive output on the coaches efforts to get him to specifically focus on the defensive side of the puck. He did and was praised for it.
Finally, just watching Gauthier in the prospects camp and game, the clear difference is that he actually looked to make the pass if it was there. If not, then so be it, I'll just bull my way to the net....and I don't care how big your are as an NHLer, when a 6'4", 225 lbs. freight train of solid muscle bears down on you, you're still going to have a tough time with him.
EDIT: Not the exact quote, but a quick find:
“He’s a finisher, with a great release. The change he made with us was to play a more complete game."
http://www.heraldsun.com/sports/hockey/carolina-hurricanes/article158604479.html