{
  "id": 7766811,
  "title": "NHL fans shocked after Ducks sign Cutter Gauthier to $81M contract",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/nhl-fans-shocked-after-ducks-sign-cutter-gauthier-to-81m-contract",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-16T10:49:55.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/nhl-fans-shocked-ducks-sign-104955535.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Anaheim Ducks' winger Cutter Gauthier has shocked fans with his $81 million, six-year contract extension. The 22-year-old forward, who averaged 41 goals and 69 points over 76 games in the 2025-26 season, will earn $13.5 million per year through the 2031-32 NHL season. Gauthier's extension came after the Ducks dealt with salary pressures from signing young center Leo Carlsson to a massive deal. Gauthier's average annual value (AAV) is still a significant investment, but his impressive play has led Anaheim to view him as a crucial part of their future.",
  "summary": "Cutter Gauthier scored 41 goals during his breakout 2025-26 season",
  "key_points": [
    "Anaheim Ducks sign Cutter Gauthier to $81M, 6-year contract",
    "22-year-old forward averaged 41 goals, 69 points in 2025-26",
    "Gauthier's AAV is significant investment, crucial for Ducks' future"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}