Former Maple Leafs' First Rounder Heading to Swiss League

27-year-old forward Frederik Gauthier is leaving the NHL and has signed a one-year deal in Switzerland with HC Ajoie. Gauthier was a former first-round pick in 2013, 21st overall of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The towering 6-foot-5 center spent last season with the New Jersey Devils organization, playing eight games with the big club and another 51 AHL games with the Utica Comets, where he recorded 32 points in 51 games.

The knock on Gauthier has always been his skating ability and it appears the NHL had become to quick of a game for the centerman. In 178 career NHL games, Gauthier recorded 13 goals and 31 points, to go along with appearing in eight Stanley Cup Playoff games with the Maple Leafs.

No confirmation on what kind of salary Gauthier will make in the Swiss League, however they take very good of their players and usually provide room and board for players and loved ones.

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Frédérik Gauthier arrive en Ajoie
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Le Québécois de 27 ans a signé un contrat jusqu’en 2023 ! #allezajoie 🔥 pic.twitter.com/2dZiDrqQIS
— Hockey-Club Ajoie (@HC_Ajoie_off) August 2, 2022