Cutter Gauthier's salary demands could force the Ducks to trade one of three veterans

Cutter Gauthier is not backing down.

According to Pro Hockey Rumors, the restricted free agent is standing firm in his salary demands as negotiations with Anaheim drag into late August.

The Ducks have already offered a four year deal worth roughly $13 million a year, but Gauthier and his camp reportedly want closer to Carlsson money after his breakout 41 goal, 69 point season.

That number matters because Anaheim simply does not have the room.

The Ducks sit at just over $9 million in projected cap space after matching Philadelphia's offer sheet for Leo Carlsson this summer, a deal that carries an $18 million cap hit of its own.

Fitting Gauthier anywhere close to his asking price means Pat Verbeek has to create real space, and soon.

With Troy Terry likely opening the season on long term injured reserve, Anaheim should have a workaround to start the year under the cap.

But that is a short term fix, not a solution.

Eventually the Ducks need actual cap relief, and rumors have already started circling three names.

With Troy Terry likely starting the year on LTIR, the Ducks should be able to start the season under the cap, but at some point they are probably going to have to make a trade here.

Rumours have swirled around Vatrano, Killorn and Krieder.

Frank Vatrano, Alex Killorn and Chris Kreider have all been floated as possible casualties, veteran salaries that could get moved to clear the runway for Gauthier's new deal.

None of this is easy. Moving a $6 million dollar contract in August is not simple business, and Anaheim will need a trade partner willing to take on term.

Until then, Gauthier's holdout keeps the Ducks' whole offseason in limbo.

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