Ethan Gauthier is the Top QMJHL Prospect of 2023

Ethan Gauthier of the Sherbrooke Phœnix has been named the recipient of the 2022-23 Michael-Bossy Trophy, which is awarded annually to the QMJHL’s top prospect for the upcoming NHL Entry Draft.

The trophy is named after former QMJHL star and Hockey Hall of Famer Michael Bossy, who was voted as the sixth greatest player in QMJHL history during the league’s 50th anniversary celebrations. Past recipients include big names such as Mario Lemieux, Pat LaFontaine, Sidney Crosby and Vincent Lecavalier.

Gauthier, the first overall selection of the 2021 QMJHL Entry Draft, had an impressive season, tallying 30 goals and 39 assists in 66 regular season games. The Phoenix, Arizona native played a crucial role in Sherbrooke’s success, helping the team finish at the top of the Western Conference. He scored five game-winning goals and seven power play goals while also finishing the season with an impressive +29 plus/minus ratio.

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Mathieu Cataford of the Halifax Mooseheads and Etienne Morin of the Moncton Wildcats were the other nominees for this year’s award.