Hobey Baker finalist Cutter Gauthier to make NHL debut for Anaheim Ducks Thursday 

While the Anaheim Ducks are not battling for a playoff spot in Game 82 on Thursday, they will get to see one of their brightest prospects step into the spotlight for the first time. 

The Ducks announced Thursday that Hobey Baker award finalist and former Boston College forward Cutter Gauthier will make his NHL debut against the Vegas Golden Knights.

Gauthier signed a three-year entry-level contract with Anaheim on Sunday after helping the BC Eagles to within one win of a National Championship. 

“It feels great, it’s something I’ve dreamt of as a little kid, playing in the National Hockey League, and the day is finally here, so I can’t be more thrilled,” Gauthier told reporters after his first NHL practice Tuesday. “Just getting in here, I’ve gotten chills getting to the airport, getting settled in and meeting the guys. It’s been a really cool experience so far, and I can’t wait to go for Thursday.”

Gauthier was not always in the Anaheim organization. The 2024 IIHF World Junior champion was originally drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers fifth overall in the 2022 NHL Draft but was traded to Anaheim in January in exchange for Jamie Drysdale and a second-round pick in 2025.

The 6-foot-3 forward was one of the best players in college hockey all season. He scored 38 goals, tied for the most in school history and more than any other player in the past 25 years. He also tallied 27 assists to finish with 65 points in only 41 collegiate games. Gauthier added three goals and three assists in four NCAA Tournament games. 

Now, he takes the next step and becomes an NHL player on Thursday. 

“They’ve been super welcoming, super friendly and that’s what you want with a young group,” Gauthier said of the Ducks. “It wasn’t intimidating whatsoever coming in, and they’ve been nothing but the best… That feels good for a young kid coming in.

“It was a great warm welcome on my first day here, and I can’t be more thrilled to be a Duck.”