.jpg)
1 hour ago
5
The question for the Anaheim Ducks isn't whether they'll keep Cutter Gauthier around for a long time.
The question is simply how much it will cost.
Every time the 22-year old takes the ice, he raises the price. He's that impressive, that good, that promising.
Daily Faceoff's Matt Larkin points out in a new article that Gauthier will soon be a restricted free agent. It'll just be a matter of procedure.
The Ducks simply have to figure out how much money to dish out to Gauthier.
"Gauthier is a breakout star, full stop," Larkin writes. "He’s a 40-goal scorer at 22, and he’s at the top of the NHL in the Brady Tkachuk/Auston Matthews tier for chance creation, so there’s reason to believe Gauthier will soon be a 50-goal scorer, too. He’s earned a long-term commitment, and it’s just a matter now of whether Carlsson gets a higher AAV given he plays the premium position of center. So far, so good for Gauthier in the postseason, further cementing his value with two goals and three points in two (road) games."
Gauthier and the Ducks are taking on the Edmonton Oilers in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs. That's a great stage to see what a team is made of.
They're going against superstars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. The more Gauthier holds his own, the more he's going to make himself on his next contract.
It's good news for Anaheim, really, that Gauthier continues to develop and prove he's a special player. It's just going to require a blank check.
English (US)