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Cutter Gauthier seeks contract equal to Leo Carlsson’s $18M AAV with Ducks

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 16, 2026, 2:25 PM

Last updated Jul 16, 2026

Cutter Gauthier seeks contract equal to Leo Carlsson’s $18M AAV with Ducks

Summary

Cutter Gauthier's contract negotiations with the Anaheim Ducks are reportedly challenging, as he insists on matching Leo Carlsson's $18 million average annual value. NHL analyst Keith Yandle indicates Gauthier might not accept any less, while teammate Ryan Whitney suggests the talks could extend into the season. Gauthier follows a breakout season in which he scored 41 goals, while Carlsson's recent contract has reshaped team salary expectations. The Ducks currently have just over $9 million in cap space after matching Carlsson's offer sheet, complicating potential roster moves if Gauthier secures a similar deal.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Cutter Gauthier scored 41 goals in the 2025-26 season.
•Leo Carlsson's $18M AAV is a franchise record.
•Ducks matched Carlsson's offer sheet from the Philadelphia Flyers.
•Negotiations may stretch into the season according to reports.
•Ducks have over $9 million in available cap space.

Latest Updates

2:25 PMYahoo Sports — Ducks’ Cutter Gauthier won’t take less than Leo Carlsson’s $18M AAV contract

What they're saying

"
The Anaheim Ducks‘ contract talks with Cutter Gauthier appear headed for a difficult negotiation after Leo Carlsson reset the franchise’s salary structure. NHL analyst Keith Yandle believes Gauthier has no intention of accepting a deal below Carlsson’s record-setting contract. Speaking…
— Yahoo Sports

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