Gauthier started out in the NHL working for the Quebec Nordiques in various scouting roles from 1981 to 1993. From 1993 to 1995, he was the Assistant general manager for the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. He left this position in 1995 to become the third general manager of the Ottawa Senators, signing a 5 year contract. His time with Ottawa coincided with a turnaround in the team's fortunes. He left his contract early, in 1998 to return to Anaheim. He then served as the Ducks president and general manager until 2002.