What would it cost the Bruins to trade for Cutter Gauthier?

Many might look at this idea and ask, "Why in the world would Cutter Gauthier make sense for the Boston Bruins?" Other than being another scoring winger to add to the team's top six and push them even further toward being a Stanley Cup contender while the core is still in its prime, the former Boston College Eagle has enough ties to the team and city that it would be a perfect fit.

Gauthier was a two-year star for the Boston College Eagles, a college that is the main pipeline for the Bruins as of late. He totaled a whopping 102 points in 73 games for the Eagles, becoming a legend in the city for his dominance in the two years on Chestnut Hill. By all accounts, Gauthier enjoyed his time in Boston, and he'd likely welcome the opportunity to play with a player like David Pastrnak while joining a young core of fellow Americans, with the biggest draw being James Hagens.

Gauthier had his breakout season in 2025-26, scoring 41 goals in 76 games. It has been a long time since the Bruins had a 40-goal scorer outside of David Pastrnak, and landing one who is still well before his prime would be a massive get.

You may wonder why the Anaheim Ducks would be looking to trade him, but if you haven't been paying attention out West, the Philadelphia Flyers' massive offer sheet to Ducks star Leo Carlsson has put Anaheim in a salary cap conundrum and driven up the asking price for their young players. Gauthier is now left without a contract as training camp quickly approaches.

What would it cost the Bruins to trade for Cutter Gauthier?

One name I left off the young core is Dean Letourneau, as it's likely that the fellow Boston College Eagle might need to be included in a package to acquire Gauthier. Another piece to potentially add from Boston's young forwards is Matthew Poitras, who is also an RFA who hasn't been able to reach a deal. Swapping the potential holdouts would make a ton of sense for both teams.

In order to fit Gauthier into the equation this season, the Bruins would have to move out some salary cap. Henri Jokiharju's $3 million would be a good start, and the Ducks are a potential destination for the right-shot defender, as they lack depth on that side. Add in a first-round pick for a package with Letourneau, Poitras, and Jokiharju, and the Ducks potentially could start listening given the position they've put themselves in.

There are some hurdles to get over before taking on Gauthier. The Bruins would have to move out even more salary, with Elias Lindholm's brutal contract and Casey Mittelstadt's salary looming large. The front office could also have some concerns about Gauthier's growing list of transgressions, as he forced his way out of Philadelphia and is now playing hardball with the Ducks. It is a justified move by the scoring winger, but he has shown some reasons to believe he isn't the most team-friendly player.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow