Anaheim Ducks Scramble to Sign Cutter Gauthier After Matching Leo Carlsson's $18 Million Offer Sheet

Q: Forced to sign Cutter Gauthier, which veteran player will the Ducks have to trade away before the season starts?

The Ducks are not tied to one unavoidable move, but **Frank Vatrano appears to be the likeliest veteran trade candidate**, with **Chris Kreider** and possibly **Alex Killorn** also in the mix if Anaheim needs more room. The cap problem is straightforward: after matching Leo Carlsson’s $18 million offer sheet, Anaheim is left with roughly $10 million in space, while Cutter Gauthier’s next deal is widely projected to come in above that number. Reporting and analysis tied to the situation repeatedly point to veteran winger contracts as the easiest way for GM Pat Verbeek to create flexibility. Vatrano stands out because his $4.57 million cap hit is movable, his role has diminished, and multiple reports describe him as the “odd man out.” He has been cited most consistently as the primary trade bait if Anaheim needs to clear salary quickly before camp. Kreider, carrying a $6.5 million cap hit on an expiring deal, is another obvious option because moving him would create more immediate relief in one transaction. Killorn’s $6.25 million cap hit also makes him a plausible candidate. So the best answer is **Vatrano is the most likely veteran to be dealt**, but **Anaheim may need to move Kreider as well—or instead—depending on Gauthier’s final number**. The key point is that no single trade has been confirmed; these are the clearest cap-clearing candidates identified around the league.

3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jul 10

$18 million for Leo Carlsson has left Anaheim with only about $9 million in cap space, forcing the Ducks to find room for restricted free agent Cutter Gauthier.
Gauthier, a 22-year-old coming off a 40-goal season, could command as much as $12 million, leaving the Ducks short unless they move salary or structure a cheaper short-term deal.
Pat Verbeek may have to dump a veteran contract, but rival teams know Anaheim is under pressure and could demand sweeteners or offer little in return.
A one-year pact near $9 million is one possible bridge until next season's higher cap ceiling, though the Ducks still need a resolution before training camp to avoid a prolonged standoff.

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Yahoo Sports4h ago

Anaheim Ducks Face Cap Space Challenge After Matching Leo Carlsson Offer Sheet

ESPN15h ago

Winners and losers of the Leo Carlsson offer sheet saga - ESPN

Russian Machine Never Breaks4h ago

Anaheim Ducks match Leo Carlsson's record-setting offer sheet, officially making him highest-paid player in NHL | RMNB

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Anaheim Ducks Scramble to Sign Cutter Gauthier After Matching Leo Carlsson's $18 Million Offer Sheet

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