Tampa Bay Lightning select Ethan Gauthier No. 37 overall in 2023 NHL Draft

The QMJHL did not feed the top of the 2023 NHL Draft class the way the WHL and OHL did among the major junior leagues. But at least one export from The ‘Q’ could end up making a significant NHL impact. Fiery forward Ethan Gauthier has the makings of a player who could save his best hockey for the deep waters of the Stanley Cup playoffs down the road. The Tampa Bay Lightning snagged him in the second round with the No. 37 overall pick of the draft at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Thursday.

Gauthier, 18, has a relatively unassuming build at 5-foot-11 and 176 pounds, but it’s deceiving. He plays with a ferocity that makes him more power forward than finesse winger. The snarl is in his genes; his father is former heavy-hitting NHL defenseman Denis Gauthier. Ethan isn’t the heavy hitter his dad was, but he brings physicality to his game while mixing in a scoring touch that made him a 30-goal scorer with Sherbrooke this season. He doesn’t have a noticeably elite shot or set of hands, but his motor is almost unmatched among 2023 prospects. He never stops churning his legs and hunting for pucks.

Gauthier has the type of work ethic that should endear him to his new coaching staff and give him a chance to play in the NHL sooner than some more skilled prospects because he’ll be useable in the bottom six, not just the top six. His skating and two-way play create a high floor.

STEVEN ELLIS’ SCOUTING REPORT

“One of my favorite players from a style perspective, Gauthier is fierce, aggressive and never stops moving. He saw his offensive output jump by 30 points to a nice 69 this year, establishing himself as a strong goal-scorer. His power-forward style suits him well in a middle-six role.”