Cutter Gauthier has earned Joel Quenneville's trust, but Anaheim's reported extension target could wreck the Ducks' salary structure.
Anthony Di Marco expects the two sides to reach an agreement carrying roughly $16 million to $17 million annually. That would immediately make Gauthier one of hockey's highest-paid players.
The winger produced 41 goals and 69 points across 76 regular-season games. He added 12 points in 12 playoff appearances, confirming that his breakout wasn't empty production.
But paying for one elite season is dangerous. Gauthier has played only 159 regular-season games, and committing superstar money now would leave Anaheim carrying nearly all the long-term risk.
Connor Bedard's extension carries a $15 million annual cap hit. Giving Gauthier up to $2 million more would place Anaheim's winger above a franchise center with 203 points through 219 games.
The graphic puts Gauthier's projected salary directly between Bedard and Leo Carlsson, showing just how aggressively Anaheim may reset its internal pecking order.
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A Cutter Gauthier contract that could squeeze Anaheim's core
Gauthier deserves a major raise from his $950,000 entry-level cap hit. The issue isn't whether he belongs in Anaheim's long-term top six. It's whether the Ducks should price him like a finished product.
A $17 million commitment would shape every negotiation that follows. Carlsson, young defencemen and future breakout players would all have a new internal benchmark when their representatives reach the table.
That creates pressure beyond one contract. Anaheim still needs enough flexibility to strengthen its blue line, support the crease and build the depth required for a sustained playoff run.
Gauthier's 11 power-play goals and seven game-winners underline his value. They don't erase the danger of paying him above Bedard after one 41-goal season.
The Ducks have spent years assembling a talented young core. Handing out the richest deal too early could turn that advantage into a cap problem before the group reaches its prime.
Anaheim should extend Gauthier. But $17 million annually would be an emotional bet on future dominance rather than a disciplined deal based on his current body of work.
Would paying Cutter Gauthier $17 million annually be Anaheim's biggest mistake?
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