Frederik Gauthier, a first round pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2013 (21st overall), is reportedly going to have to prove he belongs in the NHL before getting a contract for this season. According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the 25-year-old is getting a professional tryout (PTO) with the Arizona Coyotes.
Gauthier became a free agent when he was not tendered a qualifying offer by the Maple Leafs back in October. He is a big presence, at six-foot-five and 239 lbs. However, depsite being a point-per-game player during his time in the QMJHL, that has never really translated into offensive success in the NHL. During five seasons with Toronto, Gauthier played 168 games, recording 13 goals and 31 points.
Gauthier won't have long to prove to Arizona that he's worth signing to a new contract. Training camps for teams involved in the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs will open January 3rd, with the season officially getting underway on January 13th. There are no exhibition games. It's not a great time to be a free agent, especially for those not considered high profile. Many NHL teams are pinching pennies due to lost revenue from last season when play was suspended and brought back in empty arenas. The salary cap is also staying flat for the next couple of years.
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