How Cutter Gauthier is lighting up the Anaheim Ducks with his promising gameplay

The Anaheim Ducks winger has emerged as one of the team's most promising stars, thanks to his strong gameplay. As per reports, the Ducks made one of their best decisions when they acquired young winger Cutter Gauthier from the Philadelphia Flyers at the beginning of 2024.

After frustrations about his future in Philadelphia, Gauthier was traded to Anaheim at the beginning of the 2024 season, and his hard work has finally started to bear fruit. The 20-year-old forward has wasted no time making an impression. Through his first 12 games, Gauthier has already scored 10 goals and added six assists, tallying 16 points to sit among the league’s top scorers. His goal total currently ties him for the NHL lead, signaling that he’s more than just a promising prospect who is becoming a bona fide offensive force.

Cutter Gauthier is emerging as Anaheim’s new star power

The Anaheim Ducks’ bold decision to acquire winger Cutter Gauthier from the Philadelphia Flyers is quickly proving to be one of the smartest moves of the 2024–25 NHL season. Once uncertain about his future in Philadelphia, Gauthier has found his stride in Anaheim, and now the young player is considered one of the league’s brightest young talents and a key factor behind the Ducks’ early-season success.The player scored his first NHL hat trick on November 4, 2025, during a four-point performance against the Florida Panthers.

With his help, the Anaheim Ducks routed the Florida Panthers 7-3 on Tuesday night for their fourth consecutive victory.What truly sets Gauthier apart is his elite skating ability. According to league tracking data, he’s recorded a top skating speed of 22.99 mph, placing him in the 94th percentile among all NHL players this season. Through the first 12 games, he has an astounding 10 goals and six assists for 16 points. He is currently tied with four others, including Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche and Leon Draisaitl of the Oilers, for the most goals in the league so far.

According to the NHL, Gauthier was traded to the Anaheim Ducks by the Philadelphia Flyers on Jan. 8, 2024, for Jamie Drysdale and a second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.He signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Ducks on April 14 after helping Boston College advance to the 2024 NCAA championship game with 65 points (38 goals, 27 assists) in 41 games. Besides, he also led the NCAA in game-winning goals (10), was second in points and tied for second in power-play goals (13), and was named a Hobey Baker Award finalist, NCAA All-American, and Hockey East First Team All-Star.Two seasons ago, the Ducks were near the bottom of the standings. The team is now rebuilding, and it is happening in real time. However, with an impressive 8-3-1 start and a +11 goal differential, Anaheim currently leads the Pacific Division. Most of the credit goes to Gauthier’s offensive spark and growing chemistry with teammates like Trevor Zegras and Mason McTavish.Also read: NHL Trade Rumor: Buffalo Sabres planning to trade for goaltender Alexander Georgiev amid goalie logjam | NHL News - The Times of India