Gauthier Showcasing More Than Just Speed in Battle For Islanders Starting Gig

Julien Gauthier is showcasing more than just speed in his first training camp with the New York Islanders.

Stefen Rosner on 'Running It Back'

Julien Gauthier is a man on a mission.

Signed to the first multi-year contract of his career -- a two-year deal worth $1.575 million -- it was expected that the 25-year-old would serve as the 13th forward on this year's New York Islanders roster.

While it's still early, the Quebec native is making a strong case for a bigger role than an extra.

Speed has no question been the weapon that's earned Gauthier opportunities in the league and the reason general manager Lou Lamoriello brought him aboard this summer.

What's held Gauthier back from consistent NHL minutes and why he's played for three teams through his first four years in the NHL is his lack of finishing.

But so far, finishing hasn't just been a non-issue. It's been a standout.

During the Islanders' first training camp scrimmage, Gauthier scored the overtime winner, sniping Ken Appleby blocker side:

In his first game on UBS Arena ice, donning the home sweater Wednesday night against the Philadelphia Flyers, Gauthier hopped on a loose puck, rifling it high over the blocker of Flyers netminder Felx Sandstrom for a power-play goal:

"My shot has always been a weapon. I use it as much as I can," Gauthier said post-game. "It's fun to get an opportunity on the power play, so I made the most of it.

"It's always great whenever, wherever you score a goal. It's always a fun feeling. I just signed here, so it's fun to get going at UBS and be able to get one, so let's keep it rolling."

Gauthier knows that his contract doesn't guarantee playing time or even a roster spot, but producing is a straight path to accomplishing both. He's also relishing this opportunity.

"It's fun to play in the NHL, but it's also fun to play and have a good role, you know what I'm saying?" Gauthier said. "That's what I'm fighting for right now. Like I want to make the most of the opportunity given to me."

So far, Gauthier's done just that, as he continues to make a strong case to win a starting gig whether Kyle Palmier (day-to-day) is healthy or not come Oct. 14.

"I thought he was hard on pucks. I thought he got into the forecheck. He was physical," Lambert said Wednesday night. "I've said from day one. The one thing I've noticed about him is he can shoot the puck. He scored. He hit the goal post, so I thought he showed pretty well."

With Zach Parise not part of the Islanders' picture right now, it's essential that the Islanders have versatile options, and Gauthier brings just that to this roster.

A strong forechecker and responsible player, Gauthier could find himself on a shutdown line alongside Jean-Gabriel Pageau.

If Palmieri is a no-go, a line of Pierre Engvall, Brock Nelson, and Gauthier could bring speed and size difficult to defend.

While not the offensive juggernaut the Islanders envisioned alongside Bo Horvat and Mat Barzal, don't be shocked if Gauthier gets a crack on the top line at some point before the end of training camp.

Lambert wants to provide the Islanders' dynamic duo with someone who can keep pace, trying Arnaud Durandeau and Simon Holmstrom up there so far (and a tad of Oliver Wahlstrom), and Gauthier can do just that.

Gauthier is battling the likes of Hudson Fasching, Wahlstrom, Holmstrom, and a few prospects for a potential starting spot, but so far, one can make the case that the Islanders' newcomer is leading the pack.