If Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois approached coach Jon Cooper and asked him to describe the perfect forward for his system of play, chances are that mythical person would resemble Nathan Gaucher. The 18-year-old center from Quebec checks off a lot of boxes that the Lightning look for in forwards.
The first thing that most mention is his size and ability to use it. At 6’3” and 207 lbs. Gaucher already has NHL size, and more importantly a willingness to engage in contact. Whether it’s fighting for pucks along the boards or bulling his way to the front of the net, Gaucher plays like a power forward and uses his size to his advantage.