NHL rumors: The closest 'comparable' for Ducks' Cutter Gauthier's next contract
Cutter Gauthier emerged as one of the National Hockey League’s most lethal goal scorers in 2025-26, scoring 41 goals in 76 games in his sophomore campaign. The Anaheim Ducks are going to have to pay up to keep the young star around long term — but that hasn’t happened yet. The 22-year-old remains an unsigned restricted free agent with training camp […] The post NHL rumors: The closest…
Anaheim Ducks’ young star, Cutter Gauthier, is set to enter a new contract negotiation period following a standout sophomore season where he scored 41 goals in 76 games. As an unsigned restricted free agent, Gauthier remains unsigned as training camp approaches. Connor Bedard’s new five-year, $75 million deal with the Chicago Blackhawks has emerged as a key benchmark in discussions about Gauthier’s potential contract.
The Ducks, who matched a monstrous five-year, $90 million offer sheet from the Philadelphia Flyers for their own restricted free agent, Leo Carlsson, are now facing a more challenging negotiation landscape. With Bedard’s contract, which carries a $15 million average annual value (AAV) through the 2031-32 season, serving as a comparable, Gauthier’s contract could see a significant raise after his impressive second season.
Although the Ducks have committed substantial funds to their young core, securing Gauthier’s long-term future is a top priority for general manager Pat Verbeek before the 2026-27 season kicks off on October 2 against the Vegas Golden Knights.
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