Carolina Hurricanes 2016 Draft Profile: Julien Gauthier

The Carolina Hurricanes hold the 13th and 21st overall picks in the draft. We are breaking down the prospects the Hurricanes have a chance at, number 11

The Carolina Hurricanes missed out on the playoffs again this year, but the good news is the team holds two first round picks, and seven picks in the first three rounds. Last year saw the draft successes of Noah Hanifin and Sebastian Aho, but what will this year hold.

#11: Julien Gauthier, RW – Val-d’Or Foreurs (QMJHL)

Height/Weight: 6’4/212lbs

Shoots: Right

Date of Birth: October 15, 1997 (Age 18)

Place of Birth: Pointe-aux-Trembles, QC, Canada

Final NHL Scouting Report: 12th among North American Skaters

Julien Gauthier has great genes when it comes to being a hockey player. His Uncle, Denis Gauthier played for the Flames, Flyers, Kings, and Coyotes over his 13 year career. His Dad and Grandfather were both body builders who won the title of Mr. Canada and competed in the Mr. Universe competition.

You can see his Dad’s genes when you look at his size, at the age of 18 he is already 6’4 and over 200 lbs. He is likely to add more weight to his frame. At full NHL size he will look to be around 240 lbs, which will make him a force on the ice.

Gauthier is a big powerful skater with a hard shot and is described as a power forward. He possesses great straight line speed, but often struggles with agility and keeping speed while changing direction.

Related Story: Carolina Hurricanes Prospects Named to OHL All Star Teams

In 54 games played he registered 57 total points (41g, 16a) and 24 PIM’s. As a bigger body he is able to fight for pucks down low and brings defensemen out to him. Drawing defense to him creates more space for his teammates in the offensive zone.

Julien Gauthier’s draft stock has slid over the last half of the year. At the time of the midseason rankings Gauthier was ranked as high as the fourth best North American skater. The end of the year rankings have seen him slide to 12th amongst North American skaters.

The slide due to the fact that he has struggled to find his teammates on the ice, with only 16 assists, he hasn’t possessed an elite play making ability. One other concern for the winger is his ability to play against players of the same size.

Right now he is easily able to win physical battles and power through much smaller defensemen at the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League level. He will have a huge test when it comes to playing against an NHL defenseman that is the same size as he is.

What Does it mean for the Carolina Hurricanes?

GM Ron Francis has shown that he likes to draft forwards with size. During the 2015 NHL Entry Draft only one selection, Sebastian Aho, was under 6 feet tall.

Since the Hurricanes need a goal scorer Gauthier could be a great fit in a possession system that could help make up for his agility issues. His physical presence would help to have around undersized players like Skinner and Aho.

The main issue with Gautheir is that he could go closer to the nine through eleven positions in the draft. If he does fall to the Carolina Hurricanes, the sniper could be a great fit for the team who already has some playmakers on the team.

This isn’t unheard of, in last year’s draft, Noah Hanifin was the top ranked defenseman and third overall ranked skater in the draft and he fell to the Carolina Hurricanes at five. If the Hurricanes can land an NHL ready talent at the 13th pick this year, it would be considered a home run by many people’s standards.

Next: #10 Ranked Prospect: Mikhail Sergachev

For many fans, the wait is almost over, the first round of the draft will take place in 13 short days on June 24th in Buffalo, NY.