

David Nonis, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, announced Wednesday the hockey club has signed forward Frederik Gauthier to a three-year entry level contract.

Gauthier, 18, was the Maple Leafs’ first-round pick, 21st overall, in the 2013 Entry Draft. The 6-5, 214-pound centreman has played 23 games with the Rimouski Oceanic in the QMJHL this season, posting 21 points (five goals, 16 assists) with 15 penalty minutes and a +5 rating. Gauthier also represented Team QMJHL this month against Team Russia in the 2013 Subway Super Series on November 18 and 20.

The native of Laval, Quebec registered 60 points (22 goals, 38 assists) with 26 penalty minutes and a +22 rating in 62 games last season with Rimouski. His 60 points were fourth among QMJHL rookies. Gauthier also helped Canada earn a gold medal at the 2013 Under-18 World Championship in Russia, notching a goal and three assists in seven games.

In 85 career games with Rimouski over two seasons (2012-13 to present), Gauthier has registered 27 goals, 54 assists and 81 points with 41 minutes in penalties and a +27 rating.