Cardiac Cane
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Carolina Hurricanes: Internal Forward Options

By Austin Isham

ROSEMONT, IL - JUNE 08: Charlotte Checkers center Martin Necas (88) celebrates after game five of the AHL Calder Cup Finals against the Chicago Wolves on June 8, 2019, at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, IL. (Photo by Patrick Gorski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ROSEMONT, IL - JUNE 08: Charlotte Checkers center Martin Necas (88) celebrates after game five of the AHL Calder Cup Finals against the Chicago Wolves on June 8, 2019, at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, IL. (Photo by Patrick Gorski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Julien Gauthier

Drafted 21st overall in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft with a pick acquired in a trade with the Los Angeles Kings for Andrej Sekera, Julien Gauthier was projected to be a project power forward that would take some time in the minors before he would be NHL ready. After taking big strides with his all around game with the Charlotte Checkers, it looks like “Goat” is trending in the right direction.

Appearing in 75 games in the 2018-2019 season, Gauthier set career highs in goals, 27, assists, 14, and points, 41. In the playoffs, Gauthier added five goals and three assists for eight points in 17 games while providing some physicality to the lineup.

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What stood out the most in Julien Gauthier’s game is his play away from the puck and decision making. In his draft year, Gauthier was considered by a few scouts to be somewhat of a one trick pony (goal scoring) and nothing else. Mike Vellucci did wonders with the Julien allowing him to take huge strides forward in becoming a true NHL power forward.

Looking ahead, should he make the Carolina Hurricanes roster out of training camp, Gauthier would be yet another potential right shot option. Most likely slotting as the third or fourth line right winger, Gauthier should be able to fill a Micheal Ferland type role while providing similar offensive numbers.

While it’s unlikely Julien Gauthier will be on the team opening night, it is likely that we will see him at some point in the 2019-2020 season making his NHL debut. For the time being, he should see top minutes in Charlotte with an expanded leadership role for the reigning Calder Cup Champions.

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