The Anaheim Ducks signed restricted free agent forward Cutter Gauthier to an $81 million, six-year contract on Tuesday, locking in a major young scorer through the 2031–32 season with camp arriving on time following intensive contract momentum.
The Anaheim Ducks have secured one of the of their young core just as the preseason looms. Restricted free agent forward Cutter Gauthier agreed to a lucrative six-year contract carrying an $81 million total value, team officials announced on Tuesday. Roughly $69.5 million of the deal is structured in signing bonuses, according to reporting from Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.
Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic reported Monday that there was progress and substantive talks
between both sides in contract negotiations, as they were determined to get it across the finish line.
Pat Verbeek and the Ducks Lock In Their Young Core
Gauthier has spent his entire NHL career in Anaheim after being acquired from the Philadelphia Flyers on January 8, 2024, in exchange for defenseman Jamie Drysdale and a second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. Selected by the Philadelphia Flyers with the No. 5 pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, Gauthier has quickly established himself in the professional ranks.
“We are pleased to get Cutter signed to a long-term deal and have him in camp on time,” Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek said. “He’s a major part of our young core, a pure goal-scoring talent that will continue progressing into an elite NHL player.”
Pat Verbeek, Ducks general manager
Verbeek added that Gauthier represents a major part of the organization’s young core, highlighting him as a pure goal-scoring talent capable of growing into an elite player. Gauthier expressed similar enthusiasm about his long-term outlook in Southern California.
“This is a very exciting day for my family and me,” Gauthier said. “I’m so pleased to be able to sign long term with the Ducks and be part of what I believe is a great future.”
Cutter Gauthier, Anaheim Ducks forward
Gauthier added that he is pleased to commit long-term to a franchise he believes has a great future ahead, keeping him with the organization through the 2031–32 season.
Cap Space Realities and Historic Offseason Spending
Gauthier’s new contract comes on the heels of a massive financial summer for Anaheim. The Ducks haven’t been afraid to spend big heading into the 2026–27 season, as they previously matched a five-year, $90 million offer sheet ($18 million average annual value) tendered to center Leo Carlsson by the Flyers on July 3, with Anaheim signing him on July 9. The $18 million average annual value of Carlsson’s deal represented a new NHL record.
Following Gauthier’s signing, PuckPedia data indicates that Anaheim now has just over $2 million in 2026–27 cap space. Gauthier’s $13.5 million cap hit is also tied with Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel for the No. 5 mark among all NHL players.
To help balance the ledger amid these heavy investments, the club terminated the contract of forward Chris Kreider last Thursday, just one day after placing him on unconditional waivers. Kreider had one season remaining on the seven-year, $45.5 million contract ($6.5 million AAV) he signed with the New York Rangers on Feb. 24, 2020.
Playoff Ambitions Following a Breakthrough Postseason
The heavy spending reflects an organization eager to build on recent success. Anaheim posted a 43-33-6 record, marking the team’s first season clinching a playoff berth since 2017–18. Gauthier also led the team with 12 points (four goals, eight assists) in 12 Stanley Cup Playoff games as Anaheim made a second-round appearance last season.
With Gauthier secured through the 2031–32 campaign and reporting to camp on schedule, the Ducks turn their attention toward translating summer roster maneuvers into a deeper playoff run in 2027.
