Feature Photo: Getty Images
Before showcasing their skills on their respective NHL teams, former Boston College teammates Will Smith and Cutter Gauthier enjoyed a summer reunion of sorts.
Tabbed as two of hockey’s top rising stars, Smith, the fourth overall pick of the San Jose Sharks in 2023 and Gauthier, the fifth overall selection by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2022 before being traded to the Anaheim Ducks, recently had the opportunity to reminisce about their year together at Boston College and look ahead to their NHL futures.
The pair, along with over 30 other young players, took part in the annual NHLPA Rookie Showcase in Arlington, Virgnia.
“Smitty, he’s great,” Gauthier told NHLPA.com. “We got close this past year with BC hockey. He’s a year younger, but he’s a great dude.”
Smith had similar high praise for his fellow forward.
“He’s a great guy and a great player,” said Smith. “Getting to play with him in college was an awesome experience.”
Playing against each other is something both are looking forward to.
“It will be fun battling against him this year,” said Gauthier with a big smile.
“Definitely going to be a fun challenge playing against him,” added Smith.
Regardless of when that happens – San Jose hosts Anaheim in regular-season play on Oct. 12 – both will be counted on to play a key role in helping their teams get back into the Western Conference playoff race.
“The whole energy around the organization, there is a great feeling, and you can see that everyone is pumped to get things going,” said Smith, who led the U.S. collegiate ranks with 71 points in 41 games as a freshman in 2023-24.
“I have my personal goals, but we want to win and that is my top goal. You can see that from every guy on this team. We know that there will be big challenges, but when you see that every player wants the same things and wants to build something special, there is so much reason to be optimistic.”
Having a player of Smith’s caliber further boosts that rosy outlook.
He set Boston College’s freshman scoring record and matched the most points by an NCAA U-19 skater since the 1993-94 season and registered a five-point, four-goal game in the Hockey East Final to help Boston College capture the conference championship.
By the end of the season, Smith set a new Boston College hockey record for points and assists by a freshman. He was the first skater for Boston College to reach 70 points since Johnny Gaudreau (80) in 2013-14.
The native of Lexington, Massachusetts, received numerous accolades for his performance, highlighted by being named a finalist for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award.
“A lot of guys have talked to me about just living in the moment and enjoying every day at the rink.
“You realize there are going to be some tough days – a losing streak or tough stretch – but this is the NHL, and you are grateful to be here and for the opportunities that are ahead.”
The 19-year-old intends to take full advantage of those opportunities.
Taking part in NHLPA Rookie Showcase further fueled his excitement for the game ahead of San Jose’s training camp.
“Getting to see the guys at the showcase is great. It’s the start of the year, so it is an exciting time. It kicks off the year. You get those games in, and that gets you pumped for the season.”
Ditto for Gauthier.
“Seeing your old buddies – you don’t get to see them all summer long – and being here with them at the showcase has been amazing,” said the 20-year-old. “It’s great to see some familiar faces, wearing their respective team’s jersey. It’s pretty cool to see how far everyone has come. That’s a special moment.
“It’s also one more reason to get the adrenaline flowing ahead of the season.”
The winger inked a three-year, entry-level contract with the Ducks on April 14. The signing came after he helped Boston College advance to the 2024 NCAA National Championship game, posting 65 points in 41 games.
He led the NCAA in game-winning goals with 10, and was named a Hobey Baker Award finalist, NCAA All-American and Hockey East First Team All-Star.
“Just excitement at everything,” said Gauthier, who was born in Sweden when his father, Sean, was playing professionally. “This is everything I have dreamed about since I was a kid, playing in the NHL. It is pure excitement and pure joy.
“The biggest thing is to soak it all in and enjoy every second of it. I was skating with Max Pacioretty the other day and he was telling me how crazy it is how time flies and that you need to enjoy every second.”
“I’m 20, and hopefully, I am playing in the NHL this season. I remember when I was a 10-year-old kid moving from Scottsdale [Arizona] to Michigan to play for HoneyBaked [hockey club] – it is crazy how time flies so quickly.”
Gauthier, who made his NHL debut on April 18 and netted his first NHL assist, has been in contact with his Anaheim teammates throughout the offseason.
“I talk to Troy Terry a lot. Trevor Zegras, Mason McTavish and Ryan Strome – they have been nothing but the best since I was there at the end of last season. They have been super welcoming and over the summer, they have all kept in touch.
“It’s great to keep a rapport with those guys and I can’t wait to get out there in Anaheim to see them and the other guys.”
Like his former collegiate teammate, Gauthier’s main goal is a team-first objective.
“To do anything I can to help the team – that is all I am here for. I want to bring a smile every day, work hard, and help the team win.”
