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His current standoff with the Anaheim Ducks isn’t his first major statement.
It’s worth remembering that he reportedly recently turned down a four-year offer worth $13 million per season from the Ducks, a sign of tense contract talks.
This isn’t the first time he’s dictated his terms.
In 2023, he flat-out refused to play for the Philadelphia Flyers after they drafted him.
That refusal eventually forced a trade, and according to reporter Charlie O’Connor, the Montreal Canadiens had a chance to get involved.
The Canadiens reportedly received an offer involving the 5th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft in exchange for Gauthier, but Kent Hughes turned it down.
That 5th overall pick ultimately became David Reinbacher, meaning the Canadiens effectively chose to keep the pick that landed the Austrian defenseman rather than use it to acquire Gauthier.
Cutter Gauthier’s contract standoff with Ducks revives possibility of another trade
It’s a decision that remains debatable in hindsight, but it also shows how Gauthier already knew at a young age how to stand his ground.
That same attitude appears to be resurfacing in Anaheim, where contract talks have dragged on for months.
Gauthier has clearly figured out that managing leverage well can pay off in a big way, regardless of the team or situation.
It’s tough to know whether the Ducks will give in or whether another trade scenario could once again change everything.
Cutter Gauthier, 22, recorded 69 points in 76 games with Anaheim last season, including 41 goals.
He was eventually traded to the Ducks in exchange for Jamie Drysdale and a 2025 second-round pick.
Could he already be traded for a second time?
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
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Flyers reportedly made the Canadiens a trade offer, but Kent Hughes turned it down
Would you have traded Reinbacher for Cutter Gauthier?