Flyers to Ducks transaction, according to Gauthier, is a “personal matter.”
As early as last May, Gauthier expressed his disinterest in playing for the Flyers, and on Monday, general manager Daniel Briere of Philadelphia traded the No. 5 pick in the 2022 NHL Draft to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for defenseman Jamie Drysdale and a second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
Gauthier, who turns 20 on January 19, was selected as the 2024 IIHF World Championship’s best forward after contributing 12 points (10 assists and 2 goals) in seven games to help the US capture the gold medal.
Contrary to comments made on another podcast earlier in the week, forward Kevin Hayes, who was moved by the Flyers to the St. Louis Blues on June 27, 2023, did not convince Gauthier to look for a transfer elsewhere, according to Gauthier on the most recent episode of the Ducks’ “Light the Lamp” podcast.
“It’s sort of tricky to talk about,” Gauthier remarked. “I’d like to announce that it’s a personal matter between myself and my family and my agent, Kurt (Overhardt). I noticed a certain item circulating online regarding the rumors surrounding Kevin Hayes, and I would like to specifically address it. I would like to state that he had absolutely no conflict with anything related to the trade, and although the material is quite harsh based on what people are saying about it, Kevin Hayes was unrelated to the current situation.
I really can’t discuss it too much. I’ll just discuss it with my family, my agency, and myself.” On June 18, 2019, Hayes agreed to a seven-year deal with the Flyers, and he spent four seasons with them until being moved.
Regarding Gauthier, Briere remarked, “We were hoping that at some point he would change his mind.” He was already reconsidering. He told us he was made to be a Flyer and that he wanted to be one when he looked at us at the draft. However, a few months later, he informed us he didn’t want to be a Flyer and didn’t want to play for the Flyers.
Therefore, our initial thought was that we needed to shield him as it would be difficult for him to put on the jersey if he were to change his mind once more and announce that he didn’t want to participate. However, it was time to make it happen when we discovered that they had refused to communicate with us for months and that he had no desire to stay in Philadelphia or be a Flyer.
According to Gauthier, Pat Verbeek, general manager of Anaheim, informed him that the Ducks are glad to have him. With 23 points (13 goals, 10 assists) in 17 games, the sophomore from Boston College is prepared to help them when needed.
Gauthier stated, “[Verbeek] called me immediately following the trade and just welcomed me to the organization, telling me how thrilled he was.” He mentioned that he had seen me in Boston a few times a month earlier, only to get a feel for me. I’m eager to get things started. He said that although the squad is a little younger, it still has a lot of experience, and he is prepared to start things off well and turn things around. I’m eager to contribute to and maintain this rebuilding effort here.
“All things considered, I’m a very reliable guy and will stop at nothing to help the team win, be it stopping a shot, winning a face-off, or netting a huge goal. All hail the squad! One thing I want the folks in Anaheim to know is that, together with my brothers, I will stop at nothing to help the club win.”