NHL Player Receives Death Threats Following Massive Trade

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Austin Sabourin
January 9, 2024 (4:04 PM)

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In a surprising turn of events, former Philadelphia Flyers forward Kevin Hayes vehemently denied any involvement in Cutter Gauthier's decision not to sign with the team. Addressing the issue on Tuesday, Hayes, now playing for the St. Louis Blues, expressed frustration at the backlash he received online, refuting a Flyers blog report that suggested he played a role in Gauthier's apparent rejection of the franchise.

Hayes emphasized the falsehood of the claims, stating,

"It's 100 per cent false. I don't know where he got his information from."

He went on to describe the extreme reactions he faced, including death threats and disturbing comments about his family. The fallout from the situation escalated, revealing the intensity of the online response to the baseless allegations.

The Flyers traded Gauthier, a promising forward prospect, to the Anaheim Ducks in a recent move, acquiring defenseman Jamie Drysdale and a 2025 second-round draft pick. The trade followed Gauthier's unexpected change of heart since being drafted fifth overall in 2022, as revealed by Flyers general manager Daniel Briere.

Briere disclosed that Gauthier initially expressed a strong desire to be a Flyer during the draft but later reversed his decision, prompting the organization to keep the situation under wraps, hoping for a change of heart. However, with Gauthier's prolonged disinterest in playing for the Flyers, the team eventually had to make the trade.

John Tortorella, Flyers' head coach, reacted to Gauthier's apparent lack of interest, bluntly stating,

"Then, we don't want you."

Tortorella dismissed any further discussion about Gauthier, redirecting the focus to Jamie Drysdale, the player joining the team through the trade.

Hayes, who spent four seasons with the Flyers before being traded, spoke out on a situation that seemingly had no connection to him. The 31-year-old forward, now with the Blues, continues to excel with nine goals and 19 points in 38 games this season.

As the dust settles, the unexpected twists in Gauthier's journey unfold, leaving the Flyers and their fans to navigate the repercussions of a trade prompted by a young player's change of heart.

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