Really smart trade by Gorton. Trade from a surplus to fill a need. I also think Gauthier will be a better NHL'er than Keane, although they aren't far off similar level players.
Keane's AHL numbers look better than they are. He racks up a lot of points that he won't get in the NHL. He plays PP1 in the AHL, which he doesn't have the offensive skill to do in the better NHL. He shouldn't even be playing PP1 in the AHL, but others were injured to start the season, and that PP worked, so it hasn't been changed. He probably isn't a PP guy in the NHL, although PP2 isn't unreasonable. On that AHL PP, he doesn't primarily drive the offense either. His point totals don't reflect his offensive ability. He's a good all-around player though. I could see him being an average second pairing defensemen. He can play both sides of the rink, he moves the puck well, he can skate. He's not a bad player, but those who boxscore watch are not getting an accurate picture. He's not a breakout star.
I saw Gauthier play a few times earlier this season. His ability to drive to the net was frighteningly good. Really big and strong kid. Skates well. I don't like his puck game that much, but he'll score goals, and give us some size at a weaker position for us.
Keane was completely blocked by the three RHD already in the NHL, and then Lundkvist coming next year. All are higher in the pecking order than him. Gauthier doesn't have that much competition. We are weak on the wing, especially if Kreider is traded soon.