A major player trade in the NHL – Anaheim and Philadelphia exchange their top prospects

Cutter Gauthier was chosen as the best forward of the World Youth Championship. PDO

In the NHL, Anaheim Ducks and Philadelphia Flyers made a significant player trade. The Flyers traded the 19-year-old forward by Cutter Gauthier player rights to the Ducks, for which it received a 21-year-old defenseman in exchange Jamie Drysdaleas well as the second round of bookings for the summer 2025 booking event.

Gauthier is still playing in the college series at Boston College, but according to the Daily Faceoff website, he had said that he did not want to play in Philadelphia. The Flyers booked Gauthier with the number five pick in the summer 2022 draft. He also represented the USA at the Junior World Championships, where he scored 2+10 power points. In addition to the gold medal, Gauthier was chosen as the best attacker of the tournament.

Drysdale is also a young and promising defenseman, even though he is already playing his fourth season in the NHL. However, the matches have been few, as the defender has suffered from injuries. The Ducks booked Drysdale in 2020 as the sixth player of the entire booking event.

Gauthier has played 17 games at Boston College this season with an output of 13+10. This season, Drysdale has been seen in the NHL arena in ten games, where 1+4 points have been accumulated.

“A decision had to be made”

Flyers GM By Daniel Brier of the comments it turns out they were aware for a long time that Gauthier didn’t want to play for the Flyers.

– We hoped that at some point he would change his mind. We tried to give him space and be in contact with him. At some point we had to make a decision. We thought this was our chance to get probably the most value out of him. It’s not very often that you find a Jamie Drysdale to add to the lineup. We were really excited when his name became available, Briere commented on the player trade.

Ducks GM Pat Verbeek also seemed pleased with the trades. He estimates that Gauthier will be seen in the NHL in a couple of years.

– When I look at our organization, we don’t have such a player. When I talked with our talent scouts, this kind of player is not coming. In two years he (Gauthier) should be able to play in the NHL.