Cutter Gauthier (Credit: Getty Images) The Anaheim Ducks and Boston Bruins are facing two contract situations that could shape their plans for the upcoming NHL season. Cutter Gauthier is coming off a breakout year in Anaheim, while Pavel Zacha is entering the final season of his current deal in Boston.Both players have reasons to attract attention around the league. Gauthier has put himself in a strong position after his latest season, while Zacha’s future could become a bigger talking point as the Bruins weigh their options before the trade deadline.
Why has Cutter Gauthier turned down the Anaheim Ducks’ contract offer?
Gauthier is coming off his entry-level contract after scoring 41 goals and 69 points last season. The 21-year-old winger does not have arbitration rights and also cannot sign an offer sheet because he has not played enough NHL games to qualify. That normally would give Anaheim more control in contract talks. However, Gauthier’s production gives him a strong reason to ask for a much bigger deal.On Sunday, NHL Network Radio’s Paul Shaheen said reliable sources told him that Gauthier’s camp rejected a four-year contract worth an average annual value of $13 million. Shaheen also said the Ducks may need to get creative with their salary cap situation if and when Gauthier signs.The problem comes from Leo Carlsson’s new contract. Anaheim matched the Philadelphia Flyers’ five-year, $90 million offer sheet for Carlsson last month, giving him an $18 million annual average value. According to PuckPedia, the Ducks have just over $9 million in cap space, making it difficult to sign a new deal for Gauthier without moving salary.Sportsnet’s Emily Sadler also pointed to the cap issue. Anaheim will get some relief next summer when Chris Kreider and Alex Killorn become unrestricted free agents, but the Ducks still have to find a way to fit Gauthier into their current plans.
What does Pavel Zacha’s contract situation mean for the Boston Bruins?
The situation around Pavel Zacha is different, but his future in Boston is also worth watching. The 29-year-old center is entering the final season of his four-year contract, which carries a $4.75 million AAV. Unless he signs an extension, he will become an unrestricted free agent next July.Boston Herald’s Steve Conroy believes Zacha has been a reliable player for Boston and could still have a place on the team. However, his trade value may be higher than ever, which could give the Bruins another option. There is another factor for Boston to consider. Re-signing Zacha could make it harder for young centers such as Fraser Minten, James Hagens or Dean Letourneau to move into bigger roles.
Will Pavel Zacha stay with the Boston Bruins or become a trade candidate?
The Bruins are believed to want Zacha back, but he was also part of trade speculation earlier this offseason. Conroy noted that Boston is unlikely to move him without getting a deal done before the season begins. His situation could become more interesting around the March 1 trade deadline if the Bruins are out of playoff contention.For now, Anaheim needs to solve its cap situation before getting Gauthier signed, while Boston must decide whether Zacha is part of its long-term plans or could become a valuable trade piece.