In an effort to ignore the Islanders’ nasty habit of shooting themselves in the foot, today’s focus will be on the off-season pick-up of Julien Gauthier. After scoring his first goal of the season last week against Florida, Gauthier followed up in Tuesday’s tilt against San Jose for his second in two games. He has only played seven games this season, but the last five have been consecutive from November 25th against Philly to last night.
The St. John Sea Dog was drafted 21st overall by Carolina in the 2016 draft, but he didn’t start playing in the show until a 5-game stint in the 2019-20 season. He has played for the Hurricanes, Senators, and Rangers before coming to the Island. It was with the Rangers that his name really got out there after a handful of awesome goals made the rounds online (which only now can I truly appreciate with him off the Rags).
Most recently playing on the third line with Pageau and Holmstrom, Gauthier has three points in those seven games (2G, 1A), all scored in the most recent two bouts. He obviously has a lot more to prove, but this could be an opportunity for the Islanders to keep a younger player in a solid role if he stays hot (or at least lukewarm). Gauthier is a skilled player with size (6’4”, 226 lbs per NHL.com), having scored a handful of nasty goals in his career. But it is indeed just a handful of them so far, having 16 goals and 20 assists in 160 NHL games.
Scoring hasn’t been the Islanders’ issue this year thankfully, but having him in the lineup is a good supplement if he can take advantage of his lethal shot and slick hands. This team is going to need to lean towards younger players like him, Holmstrom, and Fasching to support the top guys while growing into their game here, and I would say they’ve done pretty well thus far. There is no shortage of veteran presence in the Isles locker room to learn from. Gauthier is also making just above league minimum for the this year and next.
It is worth noting that Julien’s three points this season are all while playing with Bo Horvat, who has a point on every one of his, indicating his ability to play with our best. It may not hurt to give him some more opportunities to chip in.
Gauthier will be in the starting lineup tonight against Columbus (8-14-5), where the fellas look to gain some ground in the division and keep the point streak rolling.
Cover Photo: Getty Images/NY Post
The Morning Skate 