The reason why Cutter Gauthier skipped Flyers Development Camp

During the 2023 World Junior Summer Showcase, Cutter Gauthier revealed the reason why he skipped out on the Philadelphia Flyers’ 2023 Development Camp.

When it was first announced that Cutter Gauthier declined to attend the Philadelphia Flyers’ 2023 Development Camp, several alarm bells started ringing across the hockey world. It was a bit concerning, especially at first, when GM Daniel Briere both knew and did not know the reason Gauthier wouldn’t be in attendance.

Briere initially said the Flyers assumed it was because of Cutter Gauthier’s recent workload, but then said that they were still trying to find out more information from Cutter as to why specifically he didn’t want to come. There is also an NCAA rule that prevents the Flyers from covering the cost of Gauthier’s travel to development camp more than once, meaning Gauthier would have needed to pay out of his own pocket this year.

The 2023 World Junior Summer Showcase kicked off on July 27, and Cutter Gauthier will be representing the United States during the tournament. After practice on July 30, Gauthier said that:

"“It was a little bit too much hockey after Worlds. It was just too much for me. I wanted time with the family. So, I figured it was best to stay home. After talking to (general manager) Danny (Briere), obviously it wasn’t his favorite thing, but it was best for me.”"

Cutter Gauthier also quelled any rumors about his commitment to the Philadelphia Flyers, and is hoping to head to Philadelphia late in the 2023-24 season. In regards to signing his ELC, Gauthier said:

"“That’s definitely the plan. After this year, hopefully we (Boston College) get done pretty late there in April with the group we have, but overall, that’s the goal. I feel like I could play in the National Hockey League tomorrow, but my decision to come back for another year was lots of time and hours talking to family, talking to coaches and all that stuff for the best decision for me.”"

It’s important to note that because Cutter Gauthier will still be 19 on September 15 and won’t turn 20 until January 19, Gauthier is still eligible to sign a three-year entry-level contract, and will not burn a year off of his ELC unless he plays at least 10 games for the Flyers this year.

Daniel Briere being disappointed Cutter Gauthier didn’t come to camp isn’t a big deal. Naturally, any front office in any organization will want to have time with their top prospect in their building to get a closer look. It’s important to remember that Chuck Fletcher drafted Cutter Gauthier and not Briere.

After drafting Matvei Michkov, the Flyers also probably want to see whether Cutter Gauthier serves the team best as a left wing or as a center. Versatility is important, but consistency is going to matter the most when it comes to how Philly will construct their roster going forward.

Between the Summer Showcase and World Juniors, Cutter Gauthier is absolutely right that this is a lot of hockey. He would’ve had the 2022-23 season roll into Worlds, have that roll into development camp, hop into the Summer Showcase, and then start his 2023-24 season with Boston College.

The most important thing is that Cutter Gauthier is committed to his health and well being, and playing for the Philadelphia Flyers soon.