November 12, 2025 | 3:19pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

DUCKS PATIENT WITH CARLSSON, GAUTHIER DEALS

Leo Carlsson, centre

The Anaheim have been off to a stellar first quarter of the 2025-26 NHL season, currently sitting atop the Pacific Division with an 11-4-1 record, thanks in large part of their young talent taking their games to the next level.

Two of those young studs are also playing on expiring contracts and both Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier are eligible to become restricted free agents next July.

With over $40.5 million in salary cap space for next season, assuming the projected $104 million cap is locked in – there remains the possibility that figure increases – the Ducks have positioned themselves well to give players like Carlsson and Gauthier significant raises starting next season.

On Wednesday’s episode of DFO Rundown Insider Edition, David Pagnotta told host Irfaan Gaffar that while contract negotiations have not truly started between the Ducks and either player, Anaheim is comfortable taking a slow-and-steady approach.

“My understanding on those fronts – very loose conversations. I don’t think the negotiation process has fully started,” Pagnotta said. “They may have had some discussions and talk before the season and then just kind of dialled it back. Nobody’s worried about anything, obviously, but the way that those two guys are playing, in Carlsson and Gauthier, they’re going to eat a good chunk of their cap moving forward.”

Pagnotta also noted defenceman Olen Zellweger can also become an RFA next summer and his side has also had very preliminary talks with the Ducks, to date.

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With respect to Carlsson, who is currently tied for second in the NHL in points with 26, he is believed to command “eight figures on an AAV for this guy” on a full-term contract, according to Pagnotta, whereas Gauthier, who has 11 goals and nine assists for 20 points in 16 games, is likely to come in lower.

“Those are going to be interesting numbers by the end of it when they do settle into a new contract, but no rush on either side for either player, as well as Zellweger, and they’re having those conversations but it’s very, very loose right now,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the duo also discussed Anaheim’s willingness to explore the trade market and if the opportunity arises for them to acquire a “big fish,” it is something GM Pat Verbeek will be lurking on.