Gauthier gains valuable experience with United States at Worlds

TAMPERE, Finland -- Cutter Gauthier already has his first NHL moment under his belt.

It didn't happen on NHL ice, though.

Gauthier, a Philadelphia Flyers prospect who plans on returning for his sophomore season at Boston College in the fall, spent the past two-plus weeks sharing the ice with NHL players as a member of the United States at the 2023 IIHF World Championship in Finland and Latvia.

And, along with nine points (seven goals, two assists) in 10 games, he picked up a few souvenirs along the way -- the first courtesy of Colorado Avalanche forward Mikko Rantanen.

"Playing against him, recently a [Stanley Cup] winner and how highly his status is as one of the best players in the National Hockey League ... I actually asked him for a photo after the game when we played them because it's not every day you get to step onto the ice with a star like that, so that was pretty cool," Gauthier, a forward selected by the Flyers with the No. 5 pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, told NHL.com.

Gauthier has more than a photo commemorating his time at the World Championship, however.

Though he's leaving without a medal following Latvia's 4-3 overtime victory over the United States in the bronze medal game Sunday, the 19-year-old gained valuable experience that has him confident he can make a seamless jump into the NHL when he is ready to turn pro.

"It's huge," Gauthier said. "Definitely. All these different teams have some pretty good NHL pros. It's a nice steppingstone to see where I rank against those other guys. It definitely helps my confidence big time."

It should.

Gauthier's seven goals were tied for the United States lead (Rocco Grimaldi) and were one shy of tying Patrick Kane (2018) for most by a U.S. player in a single World Championship since 1986. Kane, who had 20 points in that tournament, was 29 at the time. Further, Gauthier's goal total tied the record for a U.S. teenager at one World Championship (Billy Christian, 1958; Tom Williams, 1959; and Henry Boucha, 1971)

And although he may feel like he's been skating with NHL stars, Gauthier's teammates said they think they're watching one in the making.

"His shot ... it's going to be one of the most lethal shots in the NHL," United States forward Alex Tuch (Buffalo Sabres) said. "He's playing a really good pro game, too. He's learning how to play the pro style. Each and every night he's getting better, and he wants to learn.

"We all knew he was a really highly skilled, smart, physically gifted player. I've seen his compete elevate as the tournament has gone on. He wants to score. He wants to be a difference-maker out there. His confidence has grown knowing he can be a difference-maker each and every night."

Gauthier's coach at the World Championship agrees.

"I know everyone talks about his shot and his skill, but he has a hardness to his game, and when you have that you have a chance to be a special player," said David Quinn, who is entering his second season as coach of the San Jose Sharks. "He's got a maturity about him that's allowed him to have success in this tournament.

"There's no mystery why he got drafted where he did, and there's no mystery why the hockey world thinks of him the way they do."

The hockey world will have to wait until at least the end of next season to see how Gauthier's skills translate to NHL ice, though. He's committed to returning to college for another year of seasoning. He'll be returning a more confident player.

And, he hopes, one poised to make the jump to the NHL when he can be a difference-maker.

"I think the biggest thing is we're going to have a good team, and there's no rush," Gauthier said. So, I think that was a big decision on why I came back. Can't get college back ever again.

"The NHL is always going to be there, so when I'm ready to make an impact, be a winning player on the team I'm on, it's going to be fun."