At the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, the Tampa Bay Lightning selected forward Ethan Gauthier with the 37th overall pick. Given how Gauthier has played since then, there is no question that the Lightning must be happy with their decision. 

Gauthier has shown good promise in the QMJHL over the last few campaigns, and this was undoubtedly the case in 2024-25 as well. In 50 regular-season games this season with the Drummondville Voltigeurs, he recorded 25 goals, 62 points, and a plus-21 rating. He was also excellent during the playoffs for Drummondville this spring, posting six goals and 12 points in seven games. 

Gauthier also played in his first three American Hockey League (AHL) games with the Syracuse Crunch, where he was held off the scoresheet. However, as he gets more adjusted to the AHL level, don't be surprised if he becomes an offensive force for the Crunch, too. 

Overall, Gauthier had another strong offensive season in the QMJHL and has created more optimism about his future with the Lightning because of it. The 6-foot forward has the tools to emerge as an impactful NHL player later down the road, and it will be fascinating to see what kind of year he puts together in 2025-26 from here. 

Recent Lightning News 

Lightning Have Intriguing Off-Season Target In Senators Forward The <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning">Tampa Bay Lightning</a> should be busy this off-season. While they undoubtedly had a strong regular-season, they struggled in the playoffs, losing in five games to the Florida Panthers in the first round. With this, it would not be particularly surprising if the Lightning looked to make some tweaks to their roster this summer.

Lightning Facing Decision With Veteran Forward After a quick first-round playoff exit, the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning">Tampa Bay Lightning</a> are entering what should be a busy off-season. The Lightning have multiple pending free agents heading into the summer, and one of them is veteran forward Luke Glendening.

Former Lightning Pat Maroon Gets New Gig After Retiring Pat Maroon was known for his entertaining personality during his days with the<a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning"> Tampa Bay Lightning</a>. It was a significant reason he was such a fan favorite while with the Atlantic Division squad.

Former Lightning Forward Had Career Year With New Team During this past off-season, forward Cole Koepke moved on from the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning">Tampa Bay Lightning</a> after signing a one-year, two-way contract with the Boston Bruins. This was after he appeared in nine games for the Lightning during the 2023-24 season, posting two assists and 23 hits. He also had 20 goals and 39 points in 53 AHL games with the Syracuse Crunch that campaign.