Story Summary
Three separate NHL roster stories are in focus. In San Jose, a six-year Cutter Gauthier deal has been floated as a possible comparable for a Will Smith extension, with the two players’ points-per-game rates cited as close: Gauthier at 0.74 and Smith at 0.73. In Tampa Bay, the Lightning and Nikita Kucherov’s camp remain in extension talks. General manager Julien BriseBois said both sides would have preferred to have a deal in place already, while Kucherov said his focus is on helping the team in the final year of his contract. In Toronto, general manager John Chayka said there was never a serious trade opportunity involving Morgan Rielly. Rielly provided a list of teams to which he would waive his no-trade clause, but Chayka said the defenceman never indicated that he wanted to leave Toronto.
Key Facts
- Curtis Pashelka suggested Cutter Gauthier’s six-year contract could be a comparable for a Will Smith extension.
- Cutter Gauthier: 114 points in 159 games, 0.74 points per game (as cited).
- Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois said of Nikita Kucherov’s negotiations: “Both parties, I know, would have preferred to have a deal today and be able to put that behind us. We haven’t been able to do that. I’m still in touch with his agent. We’re going to keep the lines of communication open.”
- Nikita Kucherov, entering the final year of his contract, said: “My mind is trying to help the team this year. I control what I can control, and I’ll do my best on the ice. That’s what I’m focusing on right now.”
- John Chayka said there was never a “serious trade opportunity” involving Morgan Rielly.
- Morgan Rielly has a $7.5 million cap hit and four years remaining on his contract (as cited).
- Chayka said Rielly provided a list of teams to which he would waive his no-trade clause, but never indicated that he wanted to leave Toronto.
- Chayka on Rielly’s game: ” If you look at Morgan’s career, he’s been able to skate, move the puck and create offense. So at no point was this some situation where we didn’t want Morgan Rielly or we don’t value Morgan Rielly. It’s the opposite.”
IHM Discussion
These three developments sit at different points on the certainty spectrum. The Will Smith comparison to Cutter Gauthier is a market reference rather than a completed Smith negotiation. The cited production rates offer a simple benchmark, but the comparison does not establish that the Sharks and Smith are aligned on term or salary.
Nikita Kucherov’s situation is the most concrete ongoing item. BriseBois confirmed that talks remain open, while Kucherov has kept his public focus on his play and the team. The extension remains unresolved.
Toronto’s position on Morgan Rielly is clearer. Chayka said there was no serious trade opportunity and stressed the club’s value of the defenceman. Rielly’s $7.5 million cap hit and four remaining years are material factors in any hypothetical move, but his no-trade list did not result in a deal.
Why It Matters
Each thread matters to roster planning. The Gauthier comparison offers one possible reference point for a Will Smith extension, though it is not a confirmed offer or negotiation. For Tampa Bay, Kucherov’s unresolved status remains a major planning issue as he enters the final year of his contract. In Toronto, Chayka’s comments point to stability on the blue line and take Rielly out of the immediate trade conversation.
IHM Market Outlook
The Gauthier deal has been floated as a possible reference point for Will Smith, but it remains only a comparison rather than evidence of a pending agreement.
For Tampa Bay, the immediate issue is internal: Kucherov remains unsigned beyond this season, and any eventual extension would be significant for the club’s long-term planning.
Toronto’s stance on Rielly reduces the likelihood of an imminent move. Chayka’s comments indicate that the Maple Leafs were not looking to trade him simply for the sake of making a transaction.
Mini Q&A
Is Will Smith being valued like Cutter Gauthier?
A comparison has been suggested. Cutter Gauthier has signed a six-year contract and has 114 points in 159 games (0.74 points per game); Will Smith has 104 points in 143 games (0.73 points per game). It is a possible benchmark, not a confirmed offer.
Has Nikita Kucherov signed an extension with Tampa Bay?
No. Lightning GM Julien BriseBois said both parties would have preferred a deal already but talks are ongoing and he remains in contact with Kucherov’s agent. Kucherov has said he is focused on helping the team in his contract year.
Was Morgan Rielly shopped by the Maple Leafs?
Toronto GM John Chayka said there were no ” serious trade opportunities” involving Morgan Rielly. Rielly did provide a list of teams he would waive his no-trade clause to, but Chayka said Rielly never showed he wanted to leave and the club values him.
What are the immediate calendar checkpoints to watch?
pre-season games begin on 19 September, the regular season opens on 29 September, and all 32 teams play on 13 October.
Coach Mark Comment
For San Jose, a contract comparison should not change the immediate task: Will Smith’s on-ice role must continue to be earned through his play. In Tampa Bay, Kucherov keeping his attention on the team gives the coaching staff a clear message to reinforce while negotiations continue. In Toronto, retaining Rielly allows the staff to keep a familiar puck-moving option in its plans rather than preparing for a major in-season adjustment.
What Comes Next
The immediate calendar markers are clear: pre-season games begin on 19 September, the regular season opens on 29 September, and all 32 teams play on 13 October. Those dates frame the next phase of roster preparation and contract discussions.
IHM Final View
Three distinct stories are worth monitoring, but they carry different weight. The Will Smith – Gauthier comparison is a negotiating reference, not a deal. Kucherov’s talks are active, making his timeline the most immediate contractual issue here. Rielly, meanwhile, appears likely to remain in Toronto after Chayka said there was never a serious trade opportunity. Watch Kucherov’s negotiations, treat Gauthier as one possible Smith benchmark, and expect Rielly to open camp with the Maple Leafs.