Anaheim Ducks star forward Cutter Gauthier is the best restricted free agent left, and he has now rejected a big offer from the Pacific Division club. According to the NHL Network's Paul Shaheen, Gauthier has rejected a four-year, $52 million ($13 million AAV) contract offer from the Ducks. "Word today from reliable sources that Anaheim has offered RFA Cutter Gauthier $13M at four years.
Rejected by Gauthier and his agent Kurt Overhardt," Shaheen posted on X. "In the moment, per PuckPedia, the Ducks are just over $9M in salary cap. Suffice to say, if/when Gauthier signs, the Ducks will have to be creative to be at the cap come the start of the season." This is a significant offer for Gauthier to reject, but it is also understandable.
The Ducks just signed forward Leo Carlsson to a five-year, $90 million ($18 million AAV) contract after matching the Philadelphia Flyers' offer sheet for him. Other NHL star restricted free agents like San Jose Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini ($18.8 million AAV) and Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard ($15 million AAV) also landed big deals, so it makes sense that Gauthier wants more than $13 million per season. Gauthier is coming off a strong season with the Ducks, as he recorded 41 goals, 28 assists, and 69 points in 76 games.
The 22-year-old forward then followed that up by posting four goals and 12 points in 12 playoff games for Anaheim this spring. With this, Gauthier is in a position to practice patience when it comes to his new deal. It will be interesting to see what his contract with the Ducks ends up being from here.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
