Shortly before their flurry of NHL roster moves, the Tampa Bay Lightning announced that they had signed 2023 draft pick Ethan Gauthier to a three-year, entry-level contract. The 18-year-old from Arizona is currently an assistant captain for the Drummondville Voltigeurs and has 30 points (13 goals, 17 assists) in 28 games for the QMJHL team. Signing the contract won’t affect his situation this year.
The contract is slotted to begin in the 2024-25 season, but can slide if Gauthier doesn’t play in 10 NHL games. Is there a chance that the 6’0″, 183 pound winger could make the Lightning out of camp next year?