NHL Rumors: Gauthier Rejects Ducks, Montembeault Trade, Demko Out, Crosby Extension – The Hockey Writers –

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, Cutter Gauthier has reportedly turned down a massive offer from the Anaheim Ducks. Where does the team go from here? Meanwhile, could Sam Montembeault be the odd man out in Montreal and is it possible the Canadiens look at trade options? Thatcher Demko could miss the start of the regular season, leaving some interesting choices for the Vancouver Canucks. Finally, is Sidney Crosby about to sign another extension with the Pittsburgh Penguins?

Gauthier Turns Down $52 Million?

There was definite buzz created on Monday when it was reported that Cutter Gauthier rejected a four-year, $13M AAV ($52M total) offer from the Anaheim Ducks, per NHL Network’s Paul Shaheen. Coming off a breakout 41-goal, 69-point season, analysts and media were aware he’d be looking to cash in, but that’s a solid offer. Gauthier holds strong leverage, especially after the Leo Carlsson deal.

It’s a big problem if Gauthier is holding out. Anaheim has only about $9 million in cap space after matching Philadelphia’s offer sheet for Carlsson, leaving no room for a $13 million deal without further moves. GM Pat Verbeek needs to clear at least $4 million, likely by trading veterans Chris Kreider ($6.5M) or Alex Killorn ($6.25M), both entering contract years. Frank Vatrano is a less appealing alternative since he’s younger and cheaper.

A longer, six- to eight-year deal for Gauthier could let the Ducks spread his cap hit across future increases, while also ensuring it’s less likely his salary balloons again in five seasons. If they’re offering four years, perhaps that means he’s not open to that idea.

Might Montembeault Be a Trade Candidate?

Teams can sometimes run with three goaltenders. However, it will be intriguing to see how long the Montreal Canadiens choose to do so this season. It appears that Sam Montembeault is the odd man out in goal. With his contract expiring in 2027 and the team having shifted trust toward its younger goalies, Montembeault is now viewed as a possible trade piece rather than a building block.

Dobes emerged as the de facto No. 1 during last season’s stretch run and playoffs, while prospect Jacob Fowler served as his postseason backup. Complicating things, Montembeault—unlike waiver-exempt Fowler—likely wouldn’t clear waivers if demoted, making him a trickier asset to manage.

Expect a Dobes-Fowler tandem this season, leaving Montembeault as the third goalie or, more likely, a trade candidate.

Thatcher Demko Not Ready For Start Of Season?

It is being speculated that Thatcher Demko might not be ready for the start of the 2026-27 regular season. Sekeres and Price were saying that this isn’t a huge surprise and that it’s not necessarily a bad thing. “We know how cautious he’s going to be at this stage, we know how cautious they are going to be.”

It was argued that not having Demko back means there’s no mistaking what the Canucks are, which is a draft lottery team. His health and availability won’t pick up the Canucks any loose points or hide any real holes in the roster. So too, Nikita Tolopilo now doesn’t have to pass through waivers; the Canucks can find out if he’s an NHL caliber goalie. Finally, this allows the Canucks to play Kevin Lankinen and let him build up some trade value.

Crosby Extension Talks To Take Place In Next Few Weeks

According to The Athletic’s Josh Yohe, Sidney Crosby’s agent, Pat Brisson, said he hadn’t discussed contract extension decisions with Crosby yet. The Penguins haven’t either. There’s an understanding that they’ll discuss the contract before summer is over. Still under contract for this season, Crosby is a UFA at the end of the year.

Crosby has stated a desire to sign one or two year deals to finish his career in Pittsburgh and there is’t talk about him possibly leaving like there was last offseason. Those reports all turned out to be inaccurate, requiring Crosby making public comments about not wanting to leave. No one is even asking this season.