Forward Ethan Gauthier can now focus on the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League season as the Tampa Bay Lightning left him out of their training camp group on Wednesday.
As a result, the 18-year-old is moving to the Drummondville Voltigeurs, who acquired him from the Sherbrooke Phoenix after the 2022-2023 season.
• Also read: Stars are Stanley Cup contenders according to their top forward
• Also read: John Tavares in a trio that is amazing to say the least
• Also read: Turnaround in the Backlund case
The son of former defender Denis Gauthier and cousin of winger Julien Gauthier, who was selected in the second round by the Bolts with the 37th overall pick in the most recent draft, took part in the Lightning’s preseason game on Tuesday. In a 5-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes, he played more than 17 minutes and maintained a -2 rating.
Last season, he scored 30 goals and 39 assists for 69 points in 66 games and added 11 points in as many playoff games.