Cutter is one of the most pivotal restricted free agents in Anaheim and will have a major role to play in the team’s summer landscape. However, the 22-year-old forward had plenty of leverage to go around after a breakout season of 2025-26, when he emerged as a principal contributor to Anaheim’s offense.
Gauthier had season-highs of 41 goals, 28 assists and 69 points in 76 regular-season games in his career. He also posted a Ducks-best 12 points in 12 post season games. An increase in those numbers did much to add more to his value as Anaheim sought to hold on to their young nucleus.
However, Anaheim’s releases of the contract situation were also affected by its overall salary cap obligations. Before signing Carlsson, The Ducks matched a significant offer to the Swedish defenseman, who later went on to be released by the team to provide some space.
For Anaheim, the agreement also provides an important measure of stability around a young forward who is expected to remain central to the team’s offensive plans. Gauthier’s combination of scoring ability, age and recent production made his contract situation closely watched during the offseason. With the long-term deal now in place, attention can shift toward how he builds on his breakout campaign and contributes as the Ducks continue developing their emerging core.
That uncertainty is now over. Anaheim inked Gauthier for six years until 2031-32. This report puts their deal at $81 million, or $13.5 million per year, on average. The arrangement ensures that the Ducks have a solid strategy for the upcoming campaign and have one of their best young players within the club for the next six seasons.
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