The Anaheim Ducks’ offseason took a dramatic turn when they matched the Philadelphia Flyers’ record-setting five-year, $90 million offer sheet for star center Leo Carlsson. While the move ensured the franchise kept one of its cornerstone players, it also sparked immediate speculation about what it could mean for fellow restricted free agent Cutter Gauthier.

After leading Anaheim with 41 goals last season, Gauthier suddenly became the center of contract rumors, with many wondering whether he would now demand a deal similar to Carlsson’s.

Insider Shuts Down Gauthier Contract Rumors

The speculation gained momentum after former NHL defenseman Keith Yandle claimed on Spittin’ Chiclets that he had heard Gauthier wasn’t willing to accept anything less than Carlsson’s $18 million average annual value.

However, NHL insider Jimmy Murphy quickly dismissed the rumor with a blunt four-word response: “Confirmed, this is not true!”

Murphy’s response poured cold water on the growing speculation, suggesting the reported contract demand isn’t based in reality.

The Reality Behind the Gauthier Situation With the Ducks

While the rumor generated plenty of discussion, it doesn’t align with the NHL’s contract rules.

Unlike Carlsson, Gauthier is not eligible to receive an offer sheet because he has not yet qualified for Group 2 restricted free agent status. He also does not have arbitration rights, making the rumored $18 million-per-year scenario impossible under the current collective bargaining agreement.

That said, Anaheim still faces an important negotiation.

Following his 41-goal breakout season, Gauthier is expected to receive a significant raise.

Before Carlsson’s record-setting contract, projections had Gauthier landing a long-term deal worth roughly $9.6 million annually. With the market now shifting upward, he could reasonably seek a contract in the $11-12 million range or opt for a shorter-term agreement that allows him to capitalize on another increase in the salary cap later.

Even if Gauthier signs for around $11-12 million annually, Anaheim will need to create cap space before the regular season.

That has already fueled speculation that veterans such as Alex Killorn and Frank Vatrano could become trade candidates as general manager Pat Verbeek looks to balance the books.

Negotiations may not be straightforward either. Verbeek is notoriously rigid in contract negotiations (as seen previously with Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale). However, Gauthier famously forced his way out of Philadelphia by refusing to sign his ELC, proving he is entirely comfortable digging his heels in when he feels slighted by front-office management.

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The Ducks can’t afford a prolonged holdout from their top goalscorer, meaning Verbeek will likely have to swallow his pride, move a veteran asset for pennies on the dollar, and pay Gauthier his well-earned premium.

Sunny Mehta wasted little time putting his own stamp on the New Jersey Devils, turning an offseason filled with difficult decisions into one centered on flexibility and opportunity. Instead of chasing quick fixes, the new general manager has reshaped the roster, created financial breathing room, and stocked the organization with valuable future assets.

These moves have shifted the conversation from what New Jersey had to fix to what it can afford to do next.

Steve Werier Predicts Sunny Mehta’s Next Move in New Jersey

Former Florida Panthers assistant general manager Steve Werier sees Mehta’s biggest accomplishment as something that won’t show up on a scoresheet.

During an appearance on The Sheet with Jeff Marek, Werier explained that Mehta has quietly built a roster with enough flexibility to attack the market from multiple directions instead of forcing a single path.

Looking at the Devils’ offseason, Werier praised the work already completed before speculating about what could come next.

“I think he has options, which is the big win for him, right? He was able to get out from the Markstrom contract without having to open up that second buyout window and buy him out. He signed Rytsiak to an easily manageable number on a bridge deal. He brought in some draft picks for Simon Nemec without committing cap space there, which I think is a smart move.”

These moves fundamentally changed New Jersey’s outlook. By moving Jacob Markstrom’s $6 million AAV contract without retaining salary or resorting to a buyout, Mehta cleared a major financial obstacle while preserving flexibility.

He also secured a team-friendly bridge contract for Arseny Gritsyuk and converted Simon Nemec into premium draft capital, strengthening both the organization’s present and future. But one of his biggest accomplishments has been signing an extension for captain Nico Hischier to a 5-year, $11.7 million AAV contract, which would start in 2027-28.

The Devils now sit with $7,627,500 in available cap space while carrying a full 23-man roster, leaving Mehta free to pursue impact additions rather than spending resources on depth signings.

This flexibility is there because Utah matched New Jersey’s one-year, $4.775 million offer sheet for Barrett Hayton, instantly returning that money to the Devils’ salary cap.

With extra draft picks and healthy cap space, New Jersey has positioned itself to explore several avenues, including adding a top-six forward, pursuing another high-profile trade, or reinforcing its goaltending group. The organization has enough financial room to remain patient instead of reacting to every opportunity that surfaces during the offseason.

Werier believes that patience is exactly what makes the Devils dangerous.

“And so now, the best thing I’d say about Sunny’s position is, who knows? But he has options. He has cap space, he has picks, and I don’t know where he’ll go with it. But he’s a poker player. He’s got a lot of outs, and I bet he uses some.”

The comparison fits Mehta’s background as a former professional poker player, where success often comes from staying disciplined until the right opportunity presents itself. Rather than cornering himself with expensive commitments, he has built a position of strength that allows the Devils to respond when the market shifts.

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Whether that next move comes through a blockbuster trade, free agency, or another creative roster maneuver, Werier believes Mehta has already accomplished the most important objective. He has given New Jersey options, and in today’s NHL, that may be the franchise’s biggest advantage.