Derek Lee joins Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos to discuss Cutter Gauthier's future in the Anaheim Ducks lineup Thursday morning, three finalists for the Hobey Baker Award were announced, University of North Dakota's Jackson Blake (CAR), Boston University's Macklin Celebrini ('24 draft eligible), and Boston College's Cutter Gauthier (ANA). In his Sophomore season, Cutter Gauthier is currently tied for second in NCAA scoring with 64 points in 39 games in 2023-24. His 37 goals lead the NCAA by a five-goal margin and are the most goals scored in a single season since Ryan Potulny scored 38 (in 41 games) in 2005-06. For the Hobey Baker Award, Gauthier is up against Jackson Blake. Blake is a Sophomore from the University of North Dakota who totaled 60 points in 40 games and led his team in scoring by 20 points. North Dakota was eliminated from the NCAA tournament in the first round after a 4-3 loss to the University of Michigan. Gauthier Advances, Colangelo and Kukkonen Eliminated: NCAA Tournament Update for Ducks Prospects [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/anaheim-ducks/latest-news/gauthier-advances-colangelo-and-kukkonen-eliminated-ncaa-tournament-update-for-ducks-prospects] The likely favorite for the 2024 Hobey Baker Award is 17 year old Freshman, Macklin Celebrini. Celebrini is tied for second in NCAA scoring (with Gauthier) with 32 goals and 64 points in 37 games for Boston University. Celebrini leads his team in scoring by 15 points as Boston University will next take on the University of Denver in the Frozen Four semifinals. Cutter Gauthier has played most the season as Boston College's listed first line center between Oskar Jellvik and Andre Gasseau. Boston's second line (Gabe Perreault, Will Smith, and Ryan Leonard) was the NCAA's most productive line and one of the most productive in recent memory. Cutter Gauthier: A Top-Five NHL Prospect [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/anaheim-ducks/news/cutter-gauthier-a-top-five-nhl-prospect] On Jan. 8, Cutter Gauthier (5th overall in 2022) was traded from the Philadelphia Flyers to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for Jamie Drysdale (6th overall in 2020) and a second round pick in 2025. Boston College will play again when they take on the University of Michigan in the Frozen Four semifinals set for puck drop at 5:30 PM PST on Thursday, April 11. Gauthier is expected to sign his ELC with the Ducks and make his NHL debut either after BC is eliminated from the Tournament or after the Championship game set to take place on Saturday, April 13. Odds dictate, he will only play one or two games for Anaheim in 2023-24, but will likely inject a goal-scoring element the team has lacked since Corey Perry was in his prime. Gauthier is a big (6-foot-2, 194-pound) volume shooter who's calling cards are a powerful stride and a lightning quick release. He has made great improvements to his rush offense, playmaking ability, and 200-foot game as the season and his collegiate career has progressed. His natural talent for finding soft ice in the offensive zone is seemingly a perfect compliment to current Ducks players like Trevor Zegras and Leo Carlsson. Though Gauthier has played almost exclusively at center at the NCAA level, it's unclear where he will play in the NHL. Nico Myatovic on Thunderbirds, injuries and signing his first contract [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/anaheim-ducks/editorials/nico-myatovic-on-thunderbirds-injuries-and-signing-his-first-contract] A New Top D Pair in Anaheim [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/anaheim-ducks/editorials/a-new-top-d-pair-in-anaheim]
