Restricted free agent forward Cutter Gauthier rejected Anaheim’s most recent contract offer of four years and $52 million ($13 million AAV), consistent with prior reports indicating Gauthier would not accept a deal paying him less than $18 million per season. Should Gauthier not sign with the Ducks before December 1st, he’ll be ineligible to play for the remainder of the 2026-27 regular season and playoffs. Anaheim currently has $9 million in cap space with which to work for 2026-27, so any deal struck with Gauthier in excess of that amount would require more restructuring by the Ducks.
The primary sticking point between Ottawa and forward Drake Batherson involves the term of any extension, as opposed to the amount. Batherson, who seeks an eight-year deal, is in the final year of a 6-year, $4.975 AAV contract with the Sens. However, there is a “significant gap” between the term Batherson seeks and what Ottawa is offering. Batherson will not receive his desired term if a deal is not reached by September 15, as a new rule per the league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement restricts extensions going forward to seven years (six years for players signing with new teams).
