Ben Shelley: Hurricanes Updates- Gauthier, Forsberg and captaincy

Hey Ben, what do you see as Gauthier’s NHL ceiling at this point? Does he have legitimate potential to crack the top 6?

Hey Ben, what do you see as Gauthier’s NHL ceiling at this point? Does he have legitimate potential to crack the top 6?
- Quetzalcoatl

I hate to be vague but to be honest, it's tough to predict. I'd say based on how his numbers measure up against players who traditionally play top-six in the NHL, he's not there. That said, the way he played in the preseason, it looks like he's taken some steps over the summer. So to give you an answer, I'd say top-nine is a safe bet but I'm not sure he cracks the Carolina's top-six (though I could very well be wrong).

Thank you for reading!

Gauthier needs to find his scoring touch. He creates lots of chances and plays physical with a big body but has a hard time finding the back of the net. If he could have buried a couple of the chances he had in the preseason he would have stayed.

Gauthier needs to find his scoring touch. He creates lots of chances and plays physical with a big body but has a hard time finding the back of the net. If he could have buried a couple of the chances he had in the preseason he would have stayed.
- Barbecued Hockey

He's real close. Probably plays out as a 3rd line guy long term, but he was real good in the preseason. Sad to see him go down.

He's real close. Probably plays out as a 3rd line guy long term, but he was real good in the preseason. Sad to see him go down.
- BINGO!

I tend to think of him with a higher ceiling. I see him being a power forward with a short career. He will hit his ceiling and play great for three or four years before injuries and annual pounding slows him down. I view power forwards like NFL running backs. Great stats in a short period but short careers.