Islanders agree to two-year deal with ex-Ranger Julien Gauthier
Rangers right wing Julien Gauthier sets before a face off against the Vegas Golden Knights in the first period of a game at Madison Square Garden on Jan. 27, 2023. Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
Ex-Ranger Julien Gauthier is coming to the Islanders.
The Islanders announced on Wednesday that Gauthier, who split last season between the Rangers and Senators, had agreed to a two-year deal. Also, fellow forwards Karson Kuhlman and Brian Pinho agreed to one-year, two-way contracts.
The 6-4, 224-pound Gauthier, who will carry a $787,500 average annual value, played 131 games over four seasons with the Rangers with 11 goals and 15 assists, mainly in a bottom-six role. He does have good skating speed but that has not translated into consistent offensive production in 153 NHL games with the Rangers, Senators and Hurricanes (14 goals, 18 assists).
Earning a spot on the Islanders’ roster out of training camp may be difficult for Gauthier presuming Casey Cizikas, Matt Martin, Cal Clutterbuck and Ross Johnston are all healthy to start the season.
The 5-10, 184-pound Kuhlman, 27, split last season between the Kraken and Jets and has 12 goals and 18 assists in 147 NHL games, including a stint with the Bruins. The 6-1, 186-pound Pinho, 28, played his only two NHL games for the Capitals in 2020-21.
Andrew Gross joined Newsday in 2018 to cover the Islanders. He began reporting on the NHL in 2003 and has previously covered the Rangers and Devils. Other assignments have included the Jets, St. John’s and MLB.
