Saturday, December 31, 2011

SABRES INK GAUTHIER-LEDUC TO ENTRY LEVEL CONTRACT

Press Release

Buffalo Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier today announced that the team has signed defenseman Jerome Gauthier-Leduc to a three-year entry-level contract. Buffalo selected Gauthier-Leduc in the third round (68th overall) of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

“Jerome has continued to improve as a player since we selected him [in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft],” Regier said. “His play in Rimouski this season demonstrates the offensive abilities that he possesses.”

Gauthier-Leduc (6’1”, 188 lbs., 7/30/92) currently ranks 12th among all QMJHL skaters with 51 points (20+31) in 35 games. Gauthier-Leduc’s 51 points give him a wide lead in scoring among QMJHL defensemen – 14 more than the next closest blueliner. His nine power play goals tie him for sixth among QMJHL skaters.

In June, Gauthier-Leduc was invited to Team Canada’s National Junior Team Development Camp. He followed that up by opening the 2011-12 season on a 12-game point streak, during which he recorded 26 points (11+15). In the midst of that streak, Gauthier-Leduc scored a goal in eight consecutive games, breaking the 31-year-old QMJHL record for defensemen set in the 1970-80 season by Gaston Therrien.

In four QMJHL seasons, the native of Quebec City, Quebec has 170 points (59+111) and 81 penalty minutes in 216 games for Rimouski and Rouyn-Noranda. He joins fellow Sabres 2010 third-round pick Kevin Sundher, who was signed to an entry level contact on Dec. 15.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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