Rangers make a move sending Joey Keane for Carolina’s Julien Gauthier

The Rangers make their first move heading into the NHL trade deadline by sending defenseman Joey Keane to Carolina for forward Julien Gauthier.

Breaking It Down

We’ve been talking about the Rangers abundance of talent in goal and on defense in the pipeline. What they lack are forward prospects with real potential to make it to the NHL. Gauthier is just that, as the Canes 1st round pick (21st overall) in the 2016 draft. The 22 year old is huge at 6’4″ and 225 lbs, and uses his size to his advantage. In 44 games he has 26 goals and 37 points and will help the Pack offense immediately. As for Joey Keane the Canes get a great prospect on defense because the Rangers have to clear the pipeline for K’Andre Miller.

Scouting Report

Julien Gauthier, who has (literally) dominated his age group within the CHL in each of the last three seasons. Blessed with a solid build (6’4, 225 lbs), good speed and a strikingly accurate shot, Gauthier validated his rightful place among the world’s elite amateurs a few years back, when at 15 years old he was getting opportunities on the Foreurs’ top line and actually contributing. Today, we consider him the best Quebec-raised power forward since Steve Bernier (16th overall in 2003), albeit more polished at this stage of his development. Gauthier is very noticeable when it’s his turn to hop over the boards – his stick is always in the right position whether to receive a pass on the rush or in the slot. He uses his size and reach to his advantage beyond puck protection; in other words, Gauthier’s difficult to defend in front of the net because he can alter shots heading in a variety of directions.

The Draft Analyst

Anthony Scultore has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL since 2014. His work also appears at... More about Anthony Scultore

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