Supplier: NHL superstar's annual salary rising to crazy numbers!

The young superstar of the Anaheim Ducks, Cutter Gauthier, 22, is still a restricted free agent and is awaiting a new contract. A massive extension is anticipated for the forward.

According to NHL reporter David Pagnottan, there has been discussion around Gauthier’s next contract, suggesting that the annual value of this new deal could be as high as 15 million dollars. However, the offer sheet received by Anaheim’s other superstar, Leo Carlsson, from the Philadelphia Flyers (5x18M) may still influence the situation, and Pagnottan notes it wouldn’t be surprising if Gauthier’s contract’s annual value exceeds 15 million dollars.

Anaheim has until Friday to decide whether to match the offer sheet for Carlsson. If they do, they will have just over nine million dollars of cap space remaining.

In this situation, Anaheim is forced to consider other moves to ensure a significant extension with Gauthier can happen. At least one option that has been floated is the trade of Frank Vatrano out of the team. His annual earnings are 4.57 million dollars.

Gauthier was Anaheim’s top scorer and point producer last season, with 41 goals and 28 assists for a total of 69 points in 76 games. In the playoffs, he recorded 4 goals and 8 assists for 12 points in 12 games. Gauthier was still playing under his entry-level contract last season.