Frederik Gauthier

The Goat has never lived up to his first-round draft status, but it's not for a lack of trying. Despite improved skating, he hasn't been able to deliver offense at the pro level. Gauthier works extremely hard, but even his advanced stats -- the ones that might allow him to be a defensive specialist -- have been cough worthy. There's still hope Gauthier will become a fourth-line pivot in the NHL, but he's in tough to earn a job in camp. Avoid him on draft day and steer clear of the waiver wire.

Gauthier is an intelligent, shutdown center with suspect wheels - his skating is his biggest weakness. He's big, as indicated by his 6-foot-5 frame, and he wouldn't look out of place in Blue and White, but he could use another year in junior to grow his game. After that, he'll likely need a couple years in the AHL. When he hits the NHL, Gauthier will be a faceoff specialist that brings a smothering presence which seldom translates into fantasy value. Sorry, Leaf fans.

Gauthier is a big (6-5), cerebral centerman who projects as a shutdown pivot who can occasionally pitch in some offense. In fact, he's the best defensive forward in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. He’ll be valuable to his on-ice team in a Martin Hanzal – Michal Handzus kind of way, but neither of those guys can be considered anything more than fantasy fringers. Leafs' general manager Dave Nonis believes Gauthier has some untapped offensive ability, but we'll wait to see if it becomes more than a promise before we draft him. Watch from a distance for now.