"Tbh he deserves it", "This is pathetic": NHL fans divided as Cutter Gauthier gets hurled with expletives by Flyers fans in first return to Philly

NHL fans were divided in their reactions as Philadelphia Flyers fans hurled expletives at Anaheim Ducks rookie Cutter Gauthier during his first game back in Philadelphia on Saturday night.

Gauthier was drafted by the Flyers in the 2022 NHL draft but declined to sign or enter into contract talks with them. As a result, the Flyers traded his rights to the Ducks in January for defenseman Jamie Drysdale and a draft pick. The Ducks later signed Gauthier to an entry-level contract.

Gauthier was greeted with:

“F**k you, Cutter!” chant by Flyers fans.

Reactions on social media were mixed. Some felt thaat Gauthier deserved the hostile response.

“Tbh he deserves it,” one tweeted.

A fan explained the reason for Gauthier's hostile reception:

"For anyone that has no clue what’s going on or doesn’t bother to read any hockey news, he requested a trade from Philadelphia before he ever played a game for them. He wasn’t just dealt. He wanted out" .

"I can't blame him for not wanting to play for a team. But he has gotta be mature about it and not be an a**hole and piss off their fan base," another wrote.

Others, though, condemned the harsh treatment from Flyers fans.

“This is pathetic," one fan tweeted.

"it was not even his fault,i hope he scores a goal," another commented.

"Imagine how good this must feel for the kid lol he’s in the head of every one of these people. While they pay to watch him," another wrote.

There was some redemption for Flyers fans when former Flyer Jamie Drysdale, who was traded for Gauthier, scored a power play goal against his old team in the first period. That led to “Jamie’s better!” chants from the Philadelphia crowd.

At the end of second period, the Flyers led 3-0 over the Ducks.

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Cutter Gauthier expected "boos" against Flyers in Philadelphia

Ahead of his first game back in Philadelphia, Cutter Gauthier said that he expected to be showered with boos from the Philadelphia crowd.

"I'm anticipating probably a lot of boos for sure," Cutter Gauthier said before Saturday's Flyers-Ducks game (per NHL.com).

"They're probably not the happiest fans with me. I'm excited for tomorrow, and just building our team game. We didn't have our best game last game, so it's an opportunity for us to build and try to get a win."

In his rookie NHL season, Cutter Gauthier has shifted to the wing after playing center in college. He has 18 points through 41 games so far.

Gauthier expressed that he feels like he's been developing his game every month. He mentioned that transitioning from college was a significant adjustment. Now, in each game, he strives to improve and evolve into a complete player.