'Progress' On Gauthier Talks, Insider Projects Term & AAV For New Deal

The Anaheim Ducks have been working hard to get 41-goal scorer and restricted free agent Cutter Gauthier signed, and it seems like a deal is close. 

According to insider Pierre LeBrun, there's been " progress and substantive talks... (and) the sides are determined to get it across the finish line." He projects that it'll likely come in a few million short of teammate Leo Carlsson's massive extension.

I’m not 100 percent sure, but I think it will land as a six-year deal if it gets done. I’m also not sure if Gauthier will get Connor Bedard’s $15 million per year, but something in the $13 million to $14 million range wouldn’t surprise me.

Carlsson, of course, triggered the NHL's salary explosion this summer, when he signed an $18 million AAV offer sheet from the Philadelphia Flyers. The Ducks matched it, and now they will have to pay up large for Carlsson's winger, as well.

LeBrun writes that the new CBA coming into effect at midnight Tuesday night has been an impetus for the two sides to get something done. 

"The new CBA will limit how front-loaded contracts can be and how signing-bonus money can be structured. That seems to be the part that’s creating momentum in negotiations."

Gauthier broke out with 41 goals, more than doubling his rookie total of 20, and had 69 points in 76 games. He skated an average of 17:15 per night. 

The Ducks cleared the cap space to get a deal with Gauthier done when Chris Kreider agreed to be waived last week and have his contract terminated. That shaved $6.5M off their cap total, which now sits at $15.5M under the limit.