The Anaheim Ducks have locked down another star forward.
Cutter Gauthier has agreed to a six-year deal with the Ducks, the team announced Tuesday. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported the deal carries a $13.5 million AAV for a total of $81 million.
Friedman adds that $69.5 million of the contract will be paid in signing bonuses, which is notable because the rules for how bonuses can be handed out will change on Wednesday when the new collective bargaining agreement goes into effect.
The 22-year-old Gauthier exploded for 41 goals and 69 points last year as a sophomore, helping Anaheim to return to the playoffs for the first time in eight years. He added 12 points in 12 playoff games as the Ducks advanced to the second round.
“We are pleased to get Cutter signed to a long-term deal and have him in camp on time,” general manager Pat Verbeek said a statement released by the team. “He’s a major part of our young core, a pure goal-scoring talent that will continue progressing into an elite NHL player.”
In his rookie season in 2024-25, Gauthier eclipsed the 20-goal mark and recorded 44 points in 82 games, finishing fifth in Calder Trophy voting. Across 159 career games, Gauthier has 61 goals and 114 points.
“This is a very exciting day for my family and I,” added Gauthier. “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.”
Earlier in the off-season, the Ducks signed Leo Carlsson to a five-year, $90-million contract after he signed an offer sheet for that much from the Philadelphia Flyers, forcing Anaheim to match.
Gauthier was drafted by the Flyers fifth overall in 2022 but traded to the Ducks before he made his NHL debut.