Macklin Celebrini and Cutter Gauthier are under no circumstances the identical type of participant.
Nonetheless, each shall be incomes a really giant sum of cash. And earlier than assuming that Celebrini will earn far more than Gauthier, it is essential to maintain a number of key info in thoughts.
For one factor, the Sharks’ middle is prepared to just accept much less cash to assist his group compete. And Gauthier, based on Keith Yandle, does not need a penny lower than Leo Carlsson.
So what would possibly their contracts appear like?
Despite the fact that Celebrini will earn lower than he is value, he’ll make at the least $15 million per season—the annual quantity Connor Bedard signed for yesterday.
The Hockey Information has weighed in and believes he might earn between $17 million and $19 million whatever the contract time period. And if he actually needed to ship a message, he’d signal for lower than $18 million (Leo Carlsson’s deal).
San Jose has simply over $12 million out there in wage cap area, and Mack’s entry-level contract does not expire till subsequent July 1. By then, the contracts of Logan Couture ($8 million) and Dmitry Orlov ($6.5 million) may have expired. No matter Celebrini’s calls for, San Jose may have no alternative however to just accept.
In Gauthier’s case, it is a bit completely different.
The Geese have nearly no wiggle room on their payroll, as a result of regardless of the $9 million they’ve out there, it is clear he will not signal for $9 million a yr.
Within the American’s case, a really long-term contract (an eight-year deal remains to be attainable) might decrease the annual determine. Besides, he will not signal for lower than $10 million.
Except he agrees to a two- or three-year bridge contract. THN does not consider in a one-season contract. The location thinks he might signal for between $8 million and $10 million, however I do not consider that in any respect.
For my part, Gauthier’s worth won’t ever be this excessive once more. By accepting a bridge contract, he dangers leaving a number of million on the desk. And we could say if he by no means repeats his 40-goal season—why would he deserve one other big contract in three years?
If he desires to money in, it is now or by no means—whether or not in Anaheim or elsewhere.
Fast Ideas
– Good query.
As fewer and fewer gamers stay out there in free company, my newest article for @TheHockeyNews asks if the Canadiens might use Patrick Kane #GoHabsGo #CH #Habs #Canadiens #THN
— Karine Hains (@KarineHains) July 19, 2026
– One to observe.
Ben Kuzma: The Canucks had beforehand proven curiosity in winger Alexis Lafreniere when…[he] struggled through the 2022–23 season; that curiosity heated up once more throughout commerce discussions involving J.T. Miller – The Province (7/13)
— NHL Rumor Report (@NHLRumorReport) July 20, 2026
– Get out of the way in which.
An image is value a thousand phrases.
— Mathias Brunet (@mathiasbrunet) July 20, 2026
Leave a Reply