What Might Celebrini and Gauthier’s Contracts Look Like?

Raphael Simard
What Might Celebrini and Gauthier’s Contracts Look Like?
Credit: X

Macklin Celebrini and Cutter Gauthier are not at all the same kind of player.

However, both will be earning a very large sum of money. And before assuming that Celebrini will earn much more than Gauthier, it's important to keep a few key facts in mind.

For one thing, the Sharks' center is willing to accept less money to help his team compete. And Gauthier, according to Keith Yandle, doesn't want a penny less than Leo Carlsson.

So what might their contracts look like?

Even though Celebrini will earn less than he's worth, he'll make at least $15 million per season—the annual amount Connor Bedard signed for yesterday.

The Hockey News has weighed in and believes he could earn between $17 million and $19 million regardless of the contract term. And if he really wanted to send a message, he'd sign for less than $18 million (Leo Carlsson's deal).

San Jose has just over $12 million available in salary cap space, and Mack's entry-level contract doesn't expire until next July 1. By then, the contracts of Logan Couture ($8 million) and Dmitry Orlov ($6.5 million) will have expired. Regardless of Celebrini's demands, San Jose will have no choice but to accept.

(Credit: Puckpedia)

In Gauthier's case, it's a little different.

The Ducks have almost no wiggle room on their payroll, because despite the $9 million they have available, it's clear he won't sign for $9 million a year.

In the American's case, a very long-term contract (an eight-year deal is still possible) could lower the annual figure. But even so, he won't sign for less than $10 million.

Unless he agrees to a two- or three-year bridge contract. THN doesn't believe in a one-season contract. The site thinks he could sign for between $8 million and $10 million, but I don't believe that at all.

In my opinion, Gauthier's value will never be this high again. By accepting a bridge contract, he risks leaving several million on the table. And let's imagine if he never repeats his 40-goal season—why would he deserve another huge contract in three years?

If he wants to cash in, it's now or never—whether in Anaheim or elsewhere.


Quick Thoughts

– Good question.

– One to watch.

– Get out of the way.

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