Gauthier’s call-up a pleasant surprise
Frederik Gauthier didn’t expect to get the call to join the Toronto Maple Leafs.
When he was told late Monday night the front office wanted him in the NHL immediately, Gauthier was in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., with the Toronto Marlies for a game Wednesday against the Pittsburgh Penguins’ American Hockey League affiliate.
Gauthier was driven to New York, where he caught a flight early Tuesday morning to join the Leafs in time for practice.
“I was happy to get the call and I’m happy to be here now,” Gauthier said with a smile. “I didn’t have any idea (about being recalled). They haven’t really told me anything. We’ll see.”
Gauthier did not take part in line rushes on Tuesday, but head coach Mike Babcock indicated there was a chance the 22-year-old could play against the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday.
Gauthier, Toronto’s firstround pick in the 2013 NHL draft, suffered a hamstring injury in the AHL playoffs with the Marlies. Part of his post-surgery recovery involved learning how to walk again.
“(I had to) start from scratch,” Gauthier said. “It was tough mentally, but it made me stronger, I think. It was a long process, but I was here all summer working hard and got rewarded for it.”
Gauthier has two assists in eight games with the Marlies this season. He has four points in 28 career games with the Leafs, including 21 last season.
To make room, the Leafs sent forward Kasperi Kapanen to the Marlies.
As Babcock juggles his lines to cover for a possible Auston Matthews absence, Matt Martin is hopeful to stay with Tyler Bozak and Mitch Marner.
“It has been a good opportunity for me and it’s not what I’m used to, playing with guys at that level,” Martin said.
“I want to get in there and forecheck and get the puck and give it to them. Once they have it, they are as good as anyone. When you’re going to get the puck and giving it to someone as creative as those two, it makes you want to get it that much more and get it back and play on offence.
“It’s a good dynamic. I do the grinding thing and it isn’t pretty, but I’m going to work hard to get the puck back.”