Anaheim Ducks winger Cutter Gauthier recently made his debut at the center position during a game against the Boston Bruins, filling in due to injuries to regular centers Mikael Granlund and Ryan Poehling. While Gauthier contributed an assist and maintained a plus-1 rating over 21 minutes and 20 seconds of ice time, his performance in faceoffs presented a notable challenge, winning only 4 of 20 draws.
This outcome from Friday’s game represented a win rate of just 20 percent for Gauthier in the circle. His faceoff struggles impacted the team's overall statistics for the game, as the Ducks finished with a collective faceoff win percentage of 31 percent, having secured 18 wins out of 58 attempts. Excluding Gauthier's numbers, the team's faceoff percentage would have been a slightly higher 36.8 percent, or 14 wins out of 38 draws.
Despite this specific game's faceoff results, Gauthier has shown promising offensive output this season, accumulating five points, including two goals, in his first six games. Last season, he had 44 points and 20 goals, followed by a campaign with 41 goals and 69 points. Prior to Friday’s game, Gauthier, who primarily plays wing, had a career faceoff win percentage of 46.4 percent, with 123 career faceoff wins. These historical numbers suggest he is not typically considered poor at taking draws.
Ahead of the game, Gauthier expressed comfort with the center role, telling Hayley Elwood of the Ducks’ team site, that he had been a center for most of his life before reaching the NHL and called it a "position I’m comfortable with." He also mentioned discussing the role with coaching staff and being excited for the opportunity. Ducks coach Joel Quenneville commented on Gauthier's versatility before the game, noting his dangerous playmaking abilities and quick shot, adding, “I’m curious to see how he handles it, but I think he’ll be fine.”
Beyond faceoffs, Gauthier's overall play against the Bruins showed positive contributions. He was one of only eight Ducks players to finish the game with a positive plus/minus rating and recorded a positive 56.5 Corsi For Percentage at 5-on-5, indicating strong possession metrics while he was on the ice. He also contributed to one of the two goals scored by the Ducks.
Winning faceoffs is a core responsibility for centers, and a struggle in this area, particularly in defensive zones or during power plays, can impact team performance. With Mikael Granlund expected to join the Ducks on their road trip beginning October 19 against the New York Rangers, signaling a potential return to play, the team faces a decision regarding Gauthier's role.
Given Gauthier's offensive production, his prior experience playing center before entering the NHL, and his historical faceoff numbers, it is plausible that the Ducks may continue to utilize him in the middle as Granlund recovers. One challenging night in the faceoff circle may not be enough to shift him back to wing immediately, especially considering his overall contributions and comfort with the position.
