Ducks could be forced to trade former first-round pick in the NHL Draft
· Yahoo Sports
The Anaheim Ducks’ NHL offseason did not unfold as planned. Despite a solid season under Joel Quenville, the front office now faces a significant decision regarding one of their youngest talents, Cutter Gauthier.
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After scoring 41 goals last season, Gauthier is expected to seek a lucrative contract, with reports suggesting his next deal could be worth between $15 and $16 million. However, the Ducks’ projected salary cap space is only $9 million.
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Ducks MUST pay Gauthier
Scoring 41 goals in the NHL isn’t easy, and having a team with Gauthier and Carlsson for years to come sounds like an awesome plan. The thing is, the Flyers put the Ducks in an awkward position by over-sheeting for Leo Carlsson at a very steep price. The Ducks knew they couldn’t give up Carlsson to Philly, so they re-signed him.
For Gauthier, who is coming off his best season with 41 goals, 28 assists, and 69 points, these types of players don’t always come around. The Ducks can extend Gauthier. The price is going to be steep, but to keep your superstars, you have to pay them the big dollars.
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Strategies for the Ducks to improve their position
When the Ducks traded for Chris Kreider, they knew he wasn’t going to be here for the long-term but to help this young core. He is gone after the 2026 season, and that contract is off the books. Right now, the Ducks would need to move Chris Kreider or Alex Killorn from their forward group to make an extension happen for Gauthier.
Kreider and Killorn are older veterans who still provide some value, but their market isn’t going to be intriguing. Kreider is 35, and Killorn is 36, so to make a deal happen, it makes you wonder if they have to eat some of their salary to make a trade work, which makes it even harder to re-sign Cutter Gauthier.
The Ducks created this predicament by delaying Leo Carlsson’s contract, which has now placed them in a challenging situation regarding the re-signing of Cutter Gauthier. The Ducks are preparing to make a strategic move, and securing Gauthier’s contract is crucial for their aspirations to be competitive in the West and pursue a deep playoff run.
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