CBA Countdown Fuels Extensions Talks for Gauthier, Fantilli
With the NHL/NHLPA’s new CBA taking effect, limits on front-loaded contracts and signing bonuses are accelerating negotiations around key RFAs. Cutter Gauthier is expected to land a six-year Ducks deal in the $13–14 million per year range; Adam Fantilli’s unsigned status remains slow with a notable gap. Drake Batherson’s eight-year extension remains far apart as he approaches free agency, while Alexander Nikishin has requested a trade and is unsigned. Edvinsson’s talks sit idle pending Detroit’s new leadership, Arber Xhekaj’s deal could come soon, Martin St. Louis secured a long-term Canadiens extension, and Joe Sakic’s Avalanche GM role is now confirmed as full-time.
