Hartnell Adds Even More Context to Gauthier Trade Drama

Siobhan Nolan

Jan 17, 2024, 00:49

Siobhan Nolan

Jan 17, 2024, 00:49

The Flyers legend spoke went in-depth about Gauthier's behavior and the reaction to his attitude.

Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports - Hartnell Adds Even More Context to Gauthier Trade Drama

Former Flyers player Scott Hartnell made an appearance on the popular Spittin' Chiclets podcast on Jan. 16, and gave listeners some more details about what exactly went down between Cutter Gauthier, his agent, and the Flyers organization after he expressed his desire to play for a different team.

"We knew from probably last summer that he just said, 'No talks,'" Hartnell replied when asked if there were "rumblings around the organization" that Gauthier didn't want to be a Flyer. "His agent, Kurt Overcharge or Overhardt or whatever his name is—he just said, 'Don't go see this guy, don't watch him play, don't reach out. He's done with you guys.'"

He continued describing how the organization sent former Flyer John LeClair—"one of the most decorated U.S. hockey players of all time"—to try and talk with Gauthier "...and this young punk is saying, 'No, I don't want to talk to you.' Like, have a little bit of respect in the game of hockey of your elders."

Hartnell also gave some insight into what Briere said to Gauthier when he was officially named GM of the Flyers. Apparently, Briere told Gauthier that he couldn't guarantee the player a spot in the team if he signed immediately, specifying that he would have to earn his place or get sent down to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, the Flyers' AHL affiliate team. Hartnell suggested that Gauthier took this "the wrong way" because "he's probably used to every team he's been on rolling out the red carpet for [him]."

After discussing whether or not Gauthier's situation can be compared to the infamous Eric Lindros controversy (which is an article for another day), Hartnell revealed that Gauthier had a list of other teams he was interested in being traded to that he gave to Briere, "...and some of those teams on that list said, 'We'll pass,' right off the bat."

Despite the rampant speculation, the exact reasons for why Gauthier suddenly changed his mind about wanting to be a Flyer after enthusiastically telling the front office that he was "built to play in Philadelphia" are still unknown.