The Hockey News interviewed former Philadelphia Flyers captain Eric Lindros over the weekend and he gave his opinion on how the Cutter Gauthier situation was handled.
The Hockey News interviewed former Philadelphia Flyers captain Eric Lindros over the weekend and he gave his opinion on how the Cutter Gauthier situation was handled.
In January, the Flyers traded Gauthier to the Anaheim Ducks for Jamie Drysdale after Gauthier informed GM Danny Briere that he would not sign his ELC with Philadelphia.
"I would have focused on just saying, 'We wanted Jamie Drysdale and we had to give up this player,' Lindros said. "That's how I would have dealt with it. I wouldn't have publicized the situation. I would have just traded the kid."
The Flyers' front office was honest when discussing the situation at the time of the trade. Head coach John Tortorella gave an iconic quote regarding his relationship with Gauthier.
Lindros' draft experience is well-known. He told the Quebec Nordiques he wouldn't play for them and was eventually traded to the Flyers.
"I had a great time in Philly, but if he thinks he's going to have a better time someplace else, then go for it. It's a player's right," Lindros said. "The better the city and the organization treats a guy, the more it's going to attract guys. That's a big part of it. I don't think a player puts his head down anymore and says, 'Thank you.' Especially a free agent or someone who has been around the league."
Gauthier and Boston College advanced to the Frozen Four in the NCAA National Tournament. In an interview with ESPN, Gauthier recently said that the noise of death threats has been dying down.
Gauthier has 37 goals in 64 games this season and leads the NCAA with an average of .95 points per game.
"Think about how it was handled. It's like going to the bar when you're younger and you ask a girl out. If she says, 'No,' you don't go to your buddies and say, 'She shut me down.' You know what I mean," Lindros said. "[The Flyers should] accentuate that you got a player you coveted. But you don't mention the guy who didn't want to go to your team."
A situation like this is unique and rare in the NHL, but as Lindros said, players have a right to do what they want if they aren't signed. Lindros' opinion of how the Flyers handled talking about the process is just one of many that the hockey world has.
Make sure to bookmark THN's Philadelphia Flyers site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.
Flyers Get Drysdale Back, Set To Play Against Islanders
3 Takeaways From Flyers' Loss vs. Blackhawks
Flyers Prospects: Alexei Kolosov Lands In Vorhees To Start In Flyers System
Tyson Foerster Scores 20th Goal Of The Season; Flyers Suffer "Drubbing" From Blackhawks
Philadelphia Flyers Announce Partnership With The University Of Delaware's Women's Ice Hockey Team