Gauthier's family ties could lead to future with Lightning

BRANDON, Fla. --Ethan Gauthier had a fantasy of becoming the third person in his family to be chosen in the first round of the NHL Draft.

His father, Denis Gauthier, was selected by the Calgary Flames with the No. 20 pick in the 1995 NHL Draft, and the physical defenseman went on to play 10 NHL seasons with the Flames, Phoenix Coyotes, Philadelphia Flyers and Los Angeles Kings.

His cousin, New York Islanders forward Julien Gauthier, was taken by the Carolina Hurricanes with the No. 21 pick in the 2016 NHL Draft, and has played four seasons in the League with the Hurricanes, New York Rangers and Ottawa Senators.

Ethan Gauthier's hopes weren't quite realized, but the Tampa Bay Lightning made sure the 18-year-old forward prospect didn't have to wait much longer when they selected him in the second round (No. 37) of the 2023 NHL Draft.

"I put the first day behind me and it was just a great moment," the younger Gauthier said during Lightning development camp last month. "It was a childhood dream to be there with my family and friends in the stands. And then to be with the Lightning. That's the best part of all.

"My dad went through this and we went through this with my cousin, too. So being the third person in the family drafted is pretty special."

When Tampa Bay traded forward Ross Colton to the Colorado Avalanche for the No. 37 pick on June 28, it was with the belief players it felt were clear first-round talents had dropped into the second round. Gauthier was high on that list.

"He's very competitive and a smart player," Lightning assistant GM Stacy Roest said. "Quick, fast skater with a nice shot. We just want to use this time to get to know him."

Gauthier will also be switching teams for his third season in juniors. He was traded to Drummondville of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League by Sherbrooke of the QMJHL on June 10 after he had 69 points (30 goals, 39 assists) in 66 games with Sherbrooke last season and 11 points (four goals, seven assists) in 11 QMJHL playoff games.

Gauthier (5-foot-11, 175 pounds) said his primary goal during camp was to take everything in and learn as much as he could from the instructors and older players.

"The big thing is paying attention to little details and little habits on and off the ice that will allow me to be at my best," Gauthier said. "There's the hockey part, but there's the part of taking care of your body and being disciplined.

"But I also just want to enjoy this experience, being around the other guys and enjoy the great facilities here."

Gauthier doesn't lack confidence in his game and said if he follows the program developed for him, he'll be ready for the NHL when his time comes.

"Being with the Lightning is a dream scenario for me," Gauthier said. "So many great players have played here and they recently won two Stanley Cups. I'm just excited to be able to wear this jersey."