Ducks ink Gauthier to entry-level deal starting this season

The Anaheim Ducks got one of the top collegiate players under contract Sunday, signing Cutter Gauthier to a three-year, entry-level pact beginning this season.

Gauthier starred for Boston College in 2023-24, leading the nation with 38 goals - the most by an NCAA player since 1999-2000 - and tying for the most in a campaign in program history.

The 20-year-old winger was one of three finalists for the Hobey Baker Award, given annually to the top men's college hockey player.

Anaheim acquired Gauthier in a shocking trade with the Philadelphia Flyers for defenseman Jamie Drysdale and a 2025 second-round pick on Jan. 8. The Flyers drafted Gauthier fifth overall in 2022, but he later requested a trade. Philadelphia general manager Daniel Briere said Gauthier told the organization he didn't want to be a part of it.

Gauthier helped top-ranked Boston College reach the national championship game Saturday, but the Eagles lost to third-seeded Denver.