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Leafs’ Gauthier will require surgery, up to six months recovery

2013 NHL Draft

NEWARK, NJ - JUNE 30: Frederik Gauthier puts his jersey on after being selected number twenty one overall in the first round by the Toronto Maple Leafs during the 2013 NHL Draft at the Prudential Center on June 30, 2013 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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A first-round draft pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2013, Frederik Gauthier has yet to really make his mark in the NHL.

And his journey just got a little tougher.

The 22-year-old center will require surgery and up to six months of recovery time after suffering a lower-body injury Saturday in an AHL playoff game.

Gauthier was hurt on a late hit by Syracuse defenseman Jake Dotchin, who received a five-minute major and game misconduct for interference. Gauthier had to be helped off the ice. He did not put any weight on his left leg.

It was expected that Gauthier would compete for the Leafs’ fourth-line center job next season. Now it remains to be seen if he’ll even be ready for training camp.