One of the league’s most connected writers just gave a new explanation for Adam Fantilli and Cutter Gauthier’s contract disputes.
Elliotte Friedman stated this week that the Columbus Blue Jackets and Anaheim Ducks are altering their strategies in light of events in other areas of the league.
“I believe that the Blue Jackets and the Ducks are both at a point where they’re thinking, “Okay, we need to make adjustments based on what occurred in this league,” Friedman stated in 32 Thoughts.
Following a substantial offer sheet to Leo Carlsson in July, reports indicated that discussions for both restricted free agents came to a halt.
Having scored 41 goals and 11 power play goals, Gauthier recently completed a breakthrough season in Anaheim with 69 points in 76 games.
In 82 games for Columbus, Fantilli scored 59 points, including 24 goals and 9 power play assists.
Elliotte Friedman: Regarding the Adam Fantilli/Cutter Gauthier talks: 32 Thoughts (8/25) – I believe both the Blue Jackets and the Ducks are now in a position where they must adapt given what has transpired in this league.
NHLRR: Following the July’s enormous 18 million AAV offer sheet to RFA Leo Carlsson, it seemed like the Gauthier and Fantilli RFA negotiations had come to a standstill.
Gauthier and Fantilli discussions abruptly halted, according to Elliotte Friedman.
The $18,000,000 AAV offer sheet that Carlsson sent immediately adjusted the league’s expectations. Every RFA talks with a young star is now judged against that number.
Mid-summer, Pat Verbeek and Don Waddell unexpectedly find themselves negotiating in a market that has changed.
Gauthier’s cap hit is presently only $950,000, and it will only increase once a new agreement is signed.
Both scenarios mirror one another as they approach a crowded RFA market, with Fantilli remaining at the same $950,000 mark.
Anaheim ended the previous season with 43-33-6, good for 92 points and genuine momentum under Joel Quenneville’s direction.
Columbus ended the season with 59 points from Fantilli, but it is under pressure to sign a young center before the offseason continues.
Friedman’s remarks hint at both front offices recalibrating rather than digging in, which may actually quicken things rather than slow them down.
The only thing that no one has verified yet is whether either team ends up closer to market value or is forced to accept a Carlsson-style figure.
