Leo Carlsson’s offer sheet matched at $18 million AAV has pushed Cutter Gauthier’s asking price to $15 million, forcing the Ducks to clear $15-16 million in cap space immediately.
Cap space shortfall after Carlsson signing
The Ducks currently hold just over $9 million in available cap room for the 2026-27 season. Sending goaltender Laurent Brossoit to the minors frees an additional $1 million, bringing the total to roughly $10 million.
Alex Killorn carries a $6.25 million cap hit and Chris Kreider a $6.5 million hit in the final year of their contracts. Frank Vatrano’s deal sits slightly above $4.5 million but includes deferrals that complicate any trade.
Moving one of Killorn or Kreider plus Brossoit down creates $15-16 million in immediate relief. The club has signaled willingness to attach one of its three second-round picks in 2027 to facilitate such a deal.
Extension structure and timing considerations
Gauthier’s camp is targeting an eight-year contract at the $15 million AAV level rather than a shorter bridge deal. A two-year pact would keep him as an RFA but does not align with the player’s stated objectives.
The Ducks explored the trade market on Vatrano, Killorn, and Kreider starting the prior Sunday. Any player moved this summer receives more ice time and a chance to boost numbers ahead of free agency.
Beckett Sennecke remains under team control for two more seasons, so his eventual extension money does not hit until the cap is projected near $122 million. That later flexibility does not solve the current shortfall.
Path to 2027-28 breathing room
Killorn and Kreider both expire after 2026-27, opening substantial cap space the following summer regardless of this season’s moves. The Ducks can sign a replacement forward at a discount if one veteran is traded now.
Trading two of the three veterans would provide extra wiggle room and allow the club to remain competitive while completing Gauthier’s deal. Creative structuring remains possible but requires swift action before training camp.
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.