GABE GAUTHIER

This season: 3 games, 0 goals, 0 assists, even rating.

Positives: Didn’t get much time to show his stuff with the Kings, but Gauthier was a point-per-game performer for the Manchester Monarchs this season. He’s not blessed with great size but he’s solidly built and is a good pound-for-pound player. By all accounts, Gauthier is a hard worker and a team-leader type.

Negatives: Still quite green at the NHL level, with only eight games in the last two seasons, and he needs to make a breakthrough soon. With players such as Brian Boyle, Marc-Andre Cliche and Trevor Lewis waiting in the wings, Gauthier needs to make himself stand out next season or risk getting passed by these younger prospects.

Looking ahead: It’s definitely possible to envision Gauthier on the Kings’ roster next season, but it could largely depend on how some of those previously mentioned prospects develop this summer. Gauthier must still prove that he can play at the NHL level, but first he will have to put forth a a good showing at training camp.

Contract situation: Restricted free agent.