While a high-volume scorer fits Edmonton’s top six, hefty contract demands and a history of trade demands make this risky pursuit a potential locker room disaster.
A recent piece from The Athletic's Allan Mitchell floats a bold offseason scenario: Mitchell wonders whether the Oilers might consider chasing Anaheim's Cutter Gauthier.
It's admittedly a long shot. The Ducks want to sign Gauthier and the cost he's going to command per season makes him a tough addition for a team like the Oilers. Still, Mitchell believes there's a world in which the Oilers could chase the winger if he and the Ducks can't come to an understanding on an extension.
On paper, Gauthier fits — he scored 41 goals last season and profiles as a high-volume shooter capable of playing alongside Edmonton's stars. That said, he's pricey, and his reputation is that of a player who might negotiate with teams in bad faith.
After telling the Philadelphia Flyers he was "built to be a Flyer", he essentially ghosted them until it forced a trade. Now that he's with Anaheim and proven he's a potentially elite goal scorer, Gauthier is locked in a contract standoff, and the Ducks may need to trade veterans like Frank Vatrano, Chris Kreider, or Alex Killorn just to create the cap room to sign him.
It was as though the second Leo Carlsson landed a five-year, $18 million-per-year offer sheet, Gauthier turned and said, "Now it's my turn."
This is not to say that Gauthier doesn't have a right to go after what he's entited to based on what the market will pay. At the same time, this might not be a great fit for the Oilers, who already have some hefty contracts and elite talents making certain money. Bringing in a $15-$16 million winger might have a domino effect. Can the Oilers really pay him more than McDavid or Draisaitl?
Still, Mitchell isn't ruling Gauthier out.
Mitchell's logic: instead of renting veteran wingers each summer, Edmonton should pursue a young, cost-controlled scorer who can play with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl for years.
There's another slight problem. Edmonton's thin prospect pool means a package built around Matthew Savoie, Ike Howard, and a high pick might not be enough to beat rival offers. If Gauthier hits the market, other teams will show interest.
The more likely option is the other name Mitchell pondered: Kirill Marchenko. His situation in Columbus is one worth watching. He's on a team-friendly deal, and while he'll be an expensive candidate for an extension, the Oilers could chase him as a rental in a tight window to compete for a Stanley Cup.
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