Who is newly acquired Leafs forward Adam Gaudette?
On July 13th when free agency opened, the Toronto Maple Leafs didn't exactly make a big splash. Instead, they signed a few depth pieces at bargain-bin prices. One of those pieces was centerman Adam Gaudette, who signed a one-year deal worth $750,000. If the season were to start today, it is possible Gaudette is centering the fourth line.
Gaudette was originally drafted by the Vancouver Canucks during the 5th round (149th overall) of the 2015 entry draft. After being drafted, Gaudette joined North Eastern University of the H-East league. It was there he turned himself into a potential top prospect. In his third and final season with the club, he led the league in points with 60 (30 goals & 30 assists) in 38 games. Additionally, he was named a first team all-star and won the Hobey Baker Award as the top NCAA men's hockey player.
The following season (2018-19), Gaudette battled for a spot with the Vancouver Canucks in training camp, but was ultimately assigned to their AHL affiliate at the time, the Utica Comets. However, largely due to injuries, Gaudette ended up playing 56 games for the Canucks. In that time, he scored 5 goals and added 7 assists while averaging just under 11 minutes a night. Certainly respectable production for a rookie playing limited minutes in a depth role.
The following season (2019-20), as a 23-year-old, Gaudette put up the best numbers of his NHL career. He produced 33 points (12 goals & 21 assists) in 59 games while only averaging 12 minutes and 23 seconds of ice time per night. Then, the season was stopped due to the pandemic. He never found his form again once hockey resumed, going pointless in 10 playoff games for the Canucks during the playoff bubble.
The following season (2020-21), after struggling most of the year, Gaudette was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks. He did re-sign a one-year extension in Chicago, but was placed on waivers early in the following season. He was claimed by the Ottawa Senators, but was not offered a qualifying offer this past off-season, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent.
Now signed with the Leafs on a league minimum deal, the 25-year-old former Hobey Baker award winner certainly has something to prove. Throughout his career, Gaudette has shown some flashes of offensive ability. He has also logged some time on secondary powerplay units. He does not, however, have a history of killing penalties in the big leagues. He should also not be relied upon in the faceoff circle, as he owns a career 41.4% win rate.
Realistically speaking, the best Leaf fans should hope for from Adam Gaudette is some tertiary scoring and added versatility to the bottom six, as he can play both center and the wing. Anything more should be considered a bonus, unless of course Kyle Dubas sees something in Gaudette that the rest of us do not. We knew that he'd pursue a few undervalued players who were looking for an opportunity to prove themselves and it would appear as though Gaudette is one of those players. Now it's up to him to make good on that opportunity.
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AOUT 3 | 477 ANSWERS Who is newly acquired Leafs forward Adam Gaudette? Where will Adam Gaudette be playing come playoff time? | ||
| Marlies | 132 | 27.7 % |
| Leafs 4th line | 208 | 43.6 % |
| Leafs top 9 | 58 | 12.2 % |
| Not in Toronto! | 79 | 16.6 % |
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