SAN DIEGO — Nathan Gaucher may have suffered a significant setback after being ruled out for the rest of the season following shoulder surgery, but his impact on the ice has not gone unnoticed by his coaches. Despite posting fewer points this season compared to last year, Gulls head coach Matt McIlvane remains high on the 21-year-old center’s development, especially his work ethic and commitment to defensive play.
Gaucher, drafted 22nd overall by the Ducks in the 2022 NHL Draft, has faced offensive struggles in the AHL this season, recording only 19 points in 56 games. However, McIlvane emphasized the important intangibles Gaucher contributes to the team, particularly his physicality and strong defensive presence.
"Nathan has an impact on every game," McIlvane shared. "Even if he’s got a goal or two more at this point last year, he’s making a much more positive impact on a game-by-game basis for our hockey team."
McIlvane went on to praise Gaucher's transformation into a more complete player, particularly his improvements in defensive play. "He’s become an elite defensive player, and he’s one of the most physical guys night in and night out. It’s a giant step for the way that he’s going to play at the next level."
While Gaucher’s offensive numbers have not been as high as expected, his defensive evolution is clear, and McIlvane sees this as a crucial aspect of Gaucher’s development moving forward. Gaucher's intensity and defensive prowess will play an important role in his progression as he works through the rest of his recovery timeline.
Gaucher is expected to be sidelined for 4-6 months following the surgery, he is expected be ready for the start of the Ducks’ 2025 training camp. Despite the injury Gaucher remains a valuable asset in the Ducks’ system, and McIlvane’s praise for his work ethic and growth shows that there’s more to his game than just the points he puts up.
The setback may delay his journey to the NHL but Gaucher's development continues, and he’ll be looking to build on the progress he made in his all-around game once he’s healthy and ready to return.