YOUNG GUNS SWITCH TEAMS!
The Anaheim Ducks acquired forward Cutter Gauthier from the Philadelphia Flyers for defenseman Jamie Drysdale and a second-round draft pick in 2025.
What does it give the Anaheim Ducks
It is rare that NHL teams trade away young talent, and even rarer when the teams are presumably in "rebuilding mode". That said, both the Ducks and Flyers did well with this trade because there were concerns with both players. Gauthier is coming off a tremendous 2024 WJC performance for the U.S. and is a good bet to become a Duck by next season (at the latest). Anaheim has blueline depth, and Drysdale has been injured a lot early on in his career, so the team decided to move on from his current three-year contract extension (which was not an easy negotiation between the team and player last year).
What does it give the Philadelphia Flyers
For the Flyers, landing Drysdale and a second-round pick in 2025 is pretty good value for a young prospect who was hesitant to sign with the organization. Losing Gauthier, arguably Philadelphia's top prospect, might sting for a bit. However, the team received an NHL-ready defenseman in Drysdale who is just scratching the surface on his future potential. Right-shooting defensemen are a commodity in the NHL, so this deal could lead to more moves by the Flyers (specifically, right-shooting D-men Rasmus Ristolainen and/or Sean Walker could be dealt). A good but gutsy trade by both teams.
Fantasy impact
Look for Gauthier to sign with Anaheim and be in their lineup next season, if not by the end of 2023-24. He is a must-own keeper-league player already and should be at least a mid-round pick in almost all leagues next season. He could also be a solid Calder candidate as rookie of the year in 2024-25. As for Drysdale, the path for meaningful power-play minutes may be easier to earn in Philadelphia than it was in Anaheim. Therefore, his fantasy stock is on the rise. Pick him up if available in virtually all league formats.
