Story Summary
Several contract situations are developing around the NHL. There has reportedly been progress between the Anaheim Ducks and restricted free agent Cutter Gauthier, with talks continuing and a possible six-year deal in the $13-14 million range suggested. Columbus Blue Jackets restricted free agent Adam Fantilli’s negotiations are reportedly moving “very slow”, with a sizeable gap remaining between offers and counteroffers, although the club expects him to be signed at some point. Carolina Hurricanes defenceman Alexander Nikishin asked for a change of scenery after last season and, as of Monday, still wanted to move on. Separately, the Montreal Canadiens could re-sign defenceman Arber Xhekaj soon.
Key Facts
- Pierre LeBrun reported there is progress in contract talks between the Anaheim Ducks and RFA forward Cutter Gauthier, with both sides wanting a deal and talks continuing over a recent weekend and the following day.
- LeBrun reported the Gauthier deal is not final but suggested it could be a six-year contract in the $13-14 million range.
- LeBrun reported Ducks GM Pat Verbeek made offers to Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier early last season and that the players’ agents waited before signing.
- LeBrun reported that Carolina Hurricanes defenceman Alexander Nikishin asked for a change of scenery after last season and, as of Monday, still wanted to move on.
- One item in the round-up said the Montreal Canadiens could re-sign defenceman Arber Xhekaj soon.
- Pierre LeBrun reported talks between the Columbus Blue Jackets and RFA forward Adam Fantilli are ” very slow,” with a sizable gap remaining; offers and counteroffers have been exchanged.
- Aaron Portzline noted that the Columbus Blue Jackets and Fantilli’s agent, Pat Brisson, are expected to continue work during the club’s pre-camp week and that the team report for physicals on Wednesday and take the ice on Thursday (pre-camp schedule reported).
- Columbus Blue Jackets head coach Rick Bowness was quoted saying contract matters” will take care of themselves” in time, that Zach Werenski wants to be in Columbus and that Fantilli” is going to get signed at some point, too.”
- Bowness said it would not be ideal if Fantilli missed camp but that the coaching staff will ” coach the guys who are here” and get any late arrival ready when he comes back.
- The rumour round-up identified Kirill Marchenko and Zach Werenski in the broader Columbus off-season discussion but did not report new injury or transaction details for them.
IHM Discussion
This round-up collects several attribution-linked rumours and one clear hold-up. Cutter Gauthier’s situation is the most advanced among the reported items: Pierre LeBrun describes tangible progress and suggests a possible six-year structure in the $13-14 million range, while stressing that no deal is complete. That leaves room for further negotiation and keeps the situation firmly in the rumour stage.
Adam Fantilli’s talks with the Columbus Blue Jackets stand in contrast. Reports describe the process as “very slow”, with a substantial gap between the team and the player’s camp. The comments from Rick Bowness underline a pragmatic approach: Columbus expects a resolution but is preparing to proceed with camp regardless of an immediate settlement.
Alexander Nikishin’s request for a change of scenery remains a straightforward status update. He asked to move on after last season and, according to the round-up, still wanted out as of Monday.
Arber Xhekaj’s mention is the most time-sensitive. Montreal could re-sign him soon, making it a development to watch for confirmation.
Why It Matters
Contract outcomes for young restricted free agents can shape rosters and salary-cap planning for the season ahead. A long-term commitment to Cutter Gauthier would show the Ducks’ willingness to secure a young forward as part of their core. Adam Fantilli’s unresolved status matters to Columbus’ camp planning: if he is not signed when camp opens, the club must work without him until an agreement is reached. An Xhekaj re-signing would provide Montreal with greater certainty on its defensive depth.
IHM Market Outlook
The round-up points to two market themes. First, teams remain prepared to discuss multi-year contracts with young RFA forwards, as reflected in the reported contours of a possible Gauthier deal. Second, clubs can continue their camp preparations while negotiations remain unresolved. From a cap-management perspective, the reported $13-14 million range in the Gauthier discussions would be a material commitment if agreed, so any eventual deal would need to fit both immediate spending and longer-term flexibility.
Mini Q&A
Is Cutter Gauthier reported to have a deal done with the Anaheim Ducks?
No. Reports say there is progress and both sides want a deal, with the suggestion it could be a six-year contract in the $13-14 million range, but nothing is final.
What is the status of Adam Fantilli’s contract talks with the Columbus Blue Jackets?
Reportedly, contract talks are moving ” very slow” with a sizable gap between offers and counteroffers; the club expects the situation to be resolved eventually but was preparing to start camp regardless.
Has Alexander Nikishin asked to leave the Carolina Hurricanes?
Yes. The round-up states that Nikishin asked for a change of scenery after last season and, as of Monday, still wanted to move on.
Will the Columbus Blue Jackets start camp without Fantilli if he remains unsigned?
According to quoted comments and reporting, the team planned to report for physicals and begin skating on schedule; the coach said they will ” coach the guys who are here,” implying camp will proceed even if Fantilli is not yet signed.
Coach Mark Comment
A late arrival at camp does not stop the work for the group already in the building. The priority is to establish combinations and systems with the available players, then give any returning player a measured on-ice ramp-up before expecting him to carry a full workload.
What Comes Next
Columbus were due to report for physicals on Wednesday and take the ice on Thursday, creating a clear early-camp checkpoint in the Fantilli negotiations. Montreal’s potential Xhekaj re-signing is another development to watch for confirmation.
IHM Final View
Teams can continue camp preparations while pursuing agreements that may affect their rosters in the days ahead.