Brynäs IF has signed Canadian forward Julien Gauthier to a contract for the 2026/27 season. The 28-year-old arrives from the St. Louis Blues organization for his first campaign in Europe.
The club announced the move on July 21. Gauthier was selected 21st overall in the 2016 NHL draft and has appeared in 181 NHL games with Carolina, the Rangers, Ottawa and the Islanders, recording 41 points.
He also played 239 AHL games and won the Calder Cup with Charlotte Checkers in 2019. Sportchef Johan Alcén described him as a large and powerful player with a good shot and skating.
Former player Junland expressed skepticism in a separate commentary, saying he is not impressed and questioning whether Gauthier will adapt to the speed of SHL play. Junland also noted concerns that the signing could limit opportunities for younger Brynäs players.