Ducks' Gauthier ready for 'a lot of boos' in return to Philly

Cutter Gauthier is prepared to face a hostile Flyers crowd Saturday as he plays in Philadelphia for the first time since requesting a trade out of the organization.

"I'm anticipating probably a lot of boos, for sure," Gauthier told The Athletic's Kevin Kurz. "They're probably not the happiest fans with me. Excited for tomorrow, and just building our team game. We didn't have our best game last game (a 6-2 loss in St. Louis on Thursday), so it's an opportunity for us to build and try to get a win."

Philadelphia drafted Gauthier fifth overall in 2022, but he was dealt to the Anaheim Ducks last season after telling the Flyers he didn't want to sign. The Ducks and Flyers played in Anaheim in late December, a game Gauthier said he had circled on his calendar. Flyers head coach John Tortorella responded by saying he didn't "give a shit" what Gauthier had to say about the matchup.

Gauthier maintains he holds no ill will toward the Flyers despite the messy exit.

"I believe the media likes to take things and run with it. Especially right after the trade, there was a lot of lies circling the internet," he said. "It's unfortunate because I'm not going to go out there and bad-mouth the Flyers organization, because obviously they're such a historic organization and a great organization, and I was fortunate enough to be drafted by them. ... It was a bit unfortunate to see some of the lies (the media was) spreading, but I wish them all the best moving forward."

Gauthier was also asked if he has any message for Flyers fans.

"I just wish they knew the truth, I would say that," he said. "But other than that, I'm not here to please everyone. I'm here to do what's best for me and do what's right for my development, and that's what I'm working towards."

Gauthier has managed 18 points across 41 games in his first full NHL campaign.