ANAHEIM — The Anaheim Ducks have locked down star forward Cutter Gauthier on a six-year, $81 million contract, the team announced Tuesday. The deal carries a $13.5 million average annual value for a total of $81 million, as reported by Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.
Friedman added that $69.5 million of the contract will be paid in signing bonuses, a structure finalized before rules governing how bonuses can be handed out 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 season as a sophomore, helping Anaheim 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.” Gauthier added, “This is a very exciting day for my family and I. 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.”
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 he has 61 goals and 114 points. Drafted fifth overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2022 and traded to Anaheim before his NHL debut, Gauthier follows fellow young core forward Leo Carlsson, who signed a five-year, $90-million contract earlier in the off-season after Anaheim matched an offer sheet from Philadelphia.