Islanders Share Thoughts on New Teammate Julien Gauthier
Julien Gauthier is one of a select few new faces around these parts, signing a two-year deal with the New York Islanders this summer. Here's what his teammates think of his presence on and off the ice.
EAST MEADOW, NY -- Julien Gauthier is one of a select few new faces around these parts, signing a two-year deal with the New York Islanders this summer.
Speed has been the name of the game for Gauthier, but he's brought more than that so far during training camp and preseason.
Following Saturday's morning skate, we caught up with a few Islanders to get their thoughts on the Islanders newcomer.
"It's been a fun few weeks getting to know him a little bit," Islanders captain Anders Lee told The Hockey News. "And just having him here in the room, he brings a great demeanor and great work ethic, and I think throughout camp, the times I am on the ice with him, his speed is evident, his size is evident, and I think he's got a lot of assets to bring."
Gauthier's shot has been a standout.
"I mean, big, strong guys tend to have some power behind their shots, and he's placed a few throughout the last week and a half here. So, if he continues to do that, it's gonna be awesome for us."
The 25-year-old speedster rifled a power-play goal, which served as the game-winner in the Islanders' 2-1 preseason win over the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday night.
"He's a fun guy to have the room," Brock Nelson said. "Obviously, he is a French guy but speaks fairly good English. Chatted a bit with [Anthony] Beauvillier about him back in the summer. He says he's a great guy.
"He works his tail off, on and off the ice. Big, strong guy who just always seems to have a smile or is having fun, which is nice to have in the room."
In the second half of last season and so far in preseason, Nelson has skated with the speedy Pierre Engvall, a six-foot-five, 198-pound player.
Gauthier, also a big man, standing at six-foot-four, 226-pound forward, brings even more speed.
"If you put both those guys on the ice, there would be a lot of speed out there flying around the rink," Nelson said. "So it's nice to have speed. I mean, we always talk about how fast the game is, and to have guys that can fly, get in the forecheck, create some turnovers, and create offense with their skating is huge.
"That's a big part of the game. So to add more in that category simply is nice for us."
"Just a happy guy. Seems like he's excited to be here," Cal Clutterbuck said. "So that's been good. Looking forward to getting to know him more."
Jean-Gabriel Pageau, a fellow French Canadien, spoke to Gauthier right before camp and got a rather strong vibe.
"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 THN. "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."
Defenseman Ryan Pulock thinks after a few weeks of being in the room, Gauthier has become more and more comfortable.
"I think he brings a lot of speed to our team, which is something that we can really benefit from," Ryan Pulock said. "He's come into this locker room, and he's fit in well. I think he feels comfortable here, which is important."
Gauthier will be skating alongside Lee and Jean-Gabriel Pageau Saturday night when the Islanders host the New York Rangers at UBS Arena.
The puck drop is slated for 7 p.m., and the game can be watched on MSG Sports Network.
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