Why Gauthier & Islanders Were a Match

Julien Gauthier has been on the move over his four-year NHL career, and we aren't just talking about his speed on the ice. Now with the New York Islanders on a multi-year deal, he wants to be a part of their success.

EAST MEADOWN, NY -- Julien Gauthier has been on the move over his four-year NHL career, and we aren't just talking about his speed on the ice. 

From Carolina, to the New York Rangers to Ottawa, the Montreal, Quebec native has struggled to stay in one place for a long period of time. 

At the end of the day, the NHL is a business, and Gauthier fully understands that.

Now back in New York, joining the New York Islanders on the first multi-year deal of his career ($787,500 AAV), he's enjoying this new opportunity so far. 

"The organization, you guys have been really great," Gauthier told The Hockey News. "So, nothing to complain about. Really good so far."

The Islanders play a very defensive-oriented system, with second-year head coach Lane Lambert trying to put his offensive spin on Barry Trotz's system, especially in the transition game.

Gauthier, whose game is speed, is focused on learning that system as fast as possible, pun intended. 

"It's important that we practice it on the ice. It's never too early to learn something about the game plan and how they play," Gauthier said. "The more you know, the better it is when you come back during the season. So I think we're doing a good job."

Gauthier's played against the Islanders twice last season, with a goal and an assist in a game with the Rangers on Dec. 22. His goal, a backhander, came against Ilya Sorokin.

Now, Gauthier gets to be teammates with the talented Sorokin, and he's in awe of what he can do. 

"Great goalie, man. Top three in the world for sure. He's amazing," Gauthier said. "When he's on his game, it's hard to even score in practice on him.

 "It's fun to watch him and more fun every day."

Gauthier continued: "He's obviously really, really good, and he's also doing a good job. He's working hard every practice. He doesn't let a lot of shots go through him."

New teammate Jean-Gabriel Pageau, also a fellow french Canadian, said that he didn't know Gauthier until he came down. 

"We got to know each other just before camp or a little bit this summer when he came down. Before all this hockey, speed, hockey IQ, and everything, I think he's a great person," Pageau told The Hockey News. "And he just shows it, the way he communicates to me, how bad he wants to be here and be part of it and be part of the success."

As for where Gauthier will play in the lineup, it's likely in a bottom-six role or, at the very least, the extra forward. 

"As far as his role is concerned, that's what training camp is for," Islanders head coach Lane Lambert said. "We'll see where we go when we start playing exhibition games."

For Lambert, he's enjoyed getting to know Gauthier. 

"He really can shoot the puck he's got to have a shot. And just getting to know the person has been a real advantage. You see somebody play, see what their assets are. But getting to know them personally, I think, has been the biggest thing for me."

While Gauthier is excited to be with the Islanders, it was the Islanders who really wanted him, hence the two-year deal. 

"He's a big guy, and he can skate, and he just adds to our team speed."

Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello has prioritized speed with the acquisition of Pierre Engvall, Bo Horvat, and even Alexander Romanov.

The Gauthier acquisition just furthers the belief that in today's NHL, there's a strong need for speed.