The Edmonton Oilers have made multiple changes so far this offseason under the leadership of general manager Stan Bowman, both in terms of on-ice leadership as well as behind the bench.
Among the major new faces on the ice for this season include goaltender Frederik Andersen, who contributed heavily to the recent Stanley Cup victory by the Carolina Hurricanes earlier this spring.
Additionally, the Oilers added depth to the crease with the acquisition of Devon Levi from the Buffalo Sabres, while also acquiring defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin in the trade with the divisional rival San Jose Sharks for Darnell Nurse.
But could the Oilers still have their eyes on a difference-making forward to put up front with the lethal combination of stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl?
The Edmonton Oilers Are Being Urged To Consider Anaheim Ducks Forward Cutter Gauthier
GettyLAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 18: Cutter Gauthier #61 of the Anaheim Ducks, playing in his first career NHL game, skates against the Vegas Golden Knights in the first period of their game at T-Mobile Arena on April 18, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
According to Oilers beat writer Allan Mitchell of The Athletic, Edmonton still needs another bonafide forward if they are to make their dreams of a third Stanley Cup Final appearance in four seasons a reality.
And the forward that he wants the Oilers to consider is forward Cutter Gauthier of the Anaheim Ducks, who remains a restricted free agent after reportedly rejecting a four-year contract worth $13 million a season.
“Cutter Gauthier and the Anaheim Ducks haven’t agreed on a deal, and time is tight as training camp gets closer. A recent fan survey at The Athleticproduced some interesting options. Eric Stephens walked through the trade options, including Frank Vatrano, Chris Kreider and Alex Killorn all popular suggestions from Ducks fans.”
He continued:
“For the Oilers, bringing in high-priced veterans is no longer a viable option. The team needs an impact player, and needs that player to deliver guaranteed production for the next five seasons (or more). In Anaheim, that player is Gauthier.”
Because he’s not arbitration eligible, and therefore unable to receive an offer sheet, the Oilers would have to acquire his rights via trade.
Cutter Gauthier Broke Out With 40 Goals Last Season
Gauthier, who was originally taken in the first round (fifth overall pick) by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2022 NHL Draft, never played a game for the Flyers and was later traded to the Ducks for defenseman Jamie Drysdale and a second round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
After scoring 20 goals in 82 games for the Ducks in 2024-25, Gauthier broke out this past season, registering 41 goals with 28 assists in 76 games. He then scored four goals with eight assists in 12 playoff games, which included an opening round series win over the Oilers.
Oilers Urged To Acquire 41-Goal Scorer To Bolster Forward Units