NHL icon Eric Lindros calls out Flyers for POORLY handling Cutter Gauthier’s trade resulting in forward getting death threats from fans

HOFer Eric Lindros boldly states Cutter Gauthier deserved better than unwanted media attention related to his trade back in January.

NHL icon Eric Lindros calls out Flyers for POORLY handling Cutter Gauthier’s trade resulting in forward getting death threats from fans

Eric Lindros and Cutter Gauthier [Image Credit: Celebrity Net Worth/Imago]

Ex-Flyers prospect Cutter Gauthier’s trade saga stirred up the whole NHL world earlier in 2024. His sudden request to get traded to the Anaheim Ducks puzzled not only the fans but the whole Philadelphia organization, as he was deemed one of the top prospects.

Noting his recent performance records it’s not hard to say why Flyers GM Danny Brier tried desperately to sign him. However, the narrative ended with the team acquiring Jamie Drysdale in exchange with Ducks for Gauthier. Unfortunately, the 20-year-old became the target of heavy criticism from Philly fans and even some professionals in the field.

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It was even reported that the forward got death threats from fans on social media which heavily disturbed his personal life and mental welfare. In a recent interview, Philadelphia Flyers legend Eric Lindros discussed the Cutter Gauthier saga with The Hockey News, saying it was handed poorly.

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He called out the organization for how their publicizing the situation further deteriorated the whole incident and even became a threat to a rookie’s life. Lindros notes that “it’s a player’s right” to request for a trade and let them go “if he thinks he’s going to have a better time someplace else.”

I would have focused on just saying, ‘We wanted Jamie Drysdale and we had to give up this player’. That’s how I would have dealt with it.
Eric Lindros as per Michael Traikos of The Hockey News.
https://twitter.com/EPRinkside/status/1774564724648067116

Lindros further added, he would’ve simply traded Gauthier and wouldn’t have made the situation public needlessly. For him, it’s the city and organization that attracts a player, and how they treat them in the long run. Gone are the days when “a player puts his head down” to say “thank you” and yes to any NHL team that picks them up. 

The whole incident was relived as the NHL world once again started paying attention to the forward player. Gauthier’s recent performance in Boston College’s 5-4 OT win against Quinnipiac has been extraordinary. Everyone is now counting the days until his NHL debut, debating on how much the youngster can contribute to the game.

Cutter Gauthier maintains silence on trade reason despite “crazy” death threats on social media

During a Zoom call in January, Cutter Gauthier discussed the ongoing chaos regarding his trade from the Philadelphia Flyers to the Anaheim Ducks. He denied revealing reasons for his trade decision saying, “I kind of want to keep it to a private matter.” 

Cutter Gauthier [Image Credit: Imago]
Cutter Gauthier [Image Credit: Imago]

While there were hypothetical guesses on Kevin Hayes and John Tortorella‘s involvement in this matter, there was no proof of it. Furthermore, both involved parties cleared the air saying they were never in contact, and in no way or form has Hayes influenced Gauthier’s decision.

Sadly, the forward had to experience death threats on his Instagram ID, as “thousands and thousands of messages” came flooding in. It was “crazy” and “pretty tough to see” as per Gauthier. Fortunately, the wave has calmed down and he is focusing on his game with Boston College. Although the reason behind his decision is not revealed yet, the fans are waiting for a response regarding his sudden change of mind.

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