Lindros: Flyers shouldn't have publicized Gauthier trade request

Philadelphia Flyers legend Eric Lindros says he would've handled Cutter Gauthier's trade request differently if it were up to him.

"I would have focused on just saying, 'We wanted Jamie Drysdale and we had to give up this player,'" Lindros told The Hockey News' Michael Traikos. "That's how I would have dealt with it. I wouldn't have publicized the situation. I would have just traded the kid."

Philadelphia shocked the hockey world in January by trading Gauthier - the 2022 No. 5 pick - to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for 2020 No. 6 pick Jamie Drysdale.

General manager Daniel Briere and president of hockey operations Keith Jones were both candid about the reasons for the trade, saying the prospect "didn't want to be a Flyer" despite draft day assurances that he was eager to sign with the club. Jones and Lindros, notably, were teammates for two seasons with the Flyers.

Gauthier said he received death threats from Flyers fans. Though he never provided an exact reason as to why he didn't want to play for Philadelphia, he said "multiple, re-occurring issues" that he'd seen in the organization led to the request.

Lindros can speak on the situation from a unique perspective. He was drafted first overall by the Quebec Nordiques in 1991 but refused to play for them, citing issues with ownership. He was eventually traded to the Flyers for a package including fellow eventual Hockey Hall of Famer Peter Forsberg.

The 51-year-old believes more players should feel free to decide where they want to play.

"I had a great time in Philly," Lindros said. "But if he thinks he's going to have a better time someplace else, then go for it. It's a player's right. The better the city and the organization treats a guy, the more it's going to attract guys. That's a big part of it.

"I don't think a player puts his head down anymore and says, 'Thank you.' Especially a free agent or someone who has been around the league."

Lindros spent eight of his 13 NHL seasons in the City of Brotherly Love, winning the Hart Trophy in 1995.

Gauthier's Boston College Eagles advanced to the Frozen Four with Sunday's win over Quinnipiac. He could turn pro and sign with the Ducks following the completion of the NCAA tournament.

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