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Former Philadelphia Flyers prospect Cutter Gauthier, who forced his way out of the organization in unceremonious fashion a year ago, received a not-so-pleasant welcome home from Philly fans when the Anaheim Ducks took on the Flyers on Saturday night.
Gauthier, the fifth overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, was the Flyers second-ranked prospect when he demanded a trade last season. He did not state why he wanted to be traded and still has not revealed the circumstances leading to the request. But he did express excitement about the return game.
“Obviously with all that happened, it’s definitely been a game circled on my calendar, and I’m super excited to play,” Gauthier told reporters. “It’s been a lot of anticipation leading up to the game, so I’m ready to go out there and play my game.”
Flyers Fans Lay Into Cutter Gauthier Throughout Ducks Blowout Loss To Flyers
He might now regret those comments after being berated with “F— you, Cutter!” chants, among others, throughout the contest. Not only that, but Philadelphia dismantled Anaheim en route to a 6-0 victory. To make matters worse, Jamie Drysdale, whom Gauthier was traded for, scored a goal and added an assist in the game.
Given the opportunity to explain his falling out with the Flyers organization before the game, Gauthier declined to do so.
“I just wish they knew the truth, I would say that,” he said. “But other than that, I’m not here to please everyone. I’m here to do what’s best for me and do what’s right for my development, and that’s what I’m working towards.”
Both Philadelphia and Anaheim are among the league’s worst teams this season. But the victory for the Flyers moved them two points ahead of the Ducks in the league-wide standings. Gauthier, meanwhile, has struggled mightily in his rookie season. He has just five goals and 18 points through 41 games. So maybe the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.