The Anaheim Ducks have had a messy offseason, and things certainly have not gone to plan in Orange County. One glaring item on the agenda that was left to do involved Cutter Gauthier. The star forward needed a new contract. With training camp opening soon, the pressure was on for something to get done.

The Ducks have signed Gauthier to a contract extension, the team announced on Tuesday. This is a six-year contract for the young forward. It is worth a total of $81 million, carrying a cap hit of $13.5 million through the life of the deal.

“We are pleased to get Cutter signed to a long-term deal and have him in camp on time,” said Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek in a statement from the team. “He’s a major part of our young core, a pure goal-scoring talent that will continue progressing into an elite NHL player.

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Gauthier emerged as a star for Anaheim this season. He scored 41 goals and 69 points in the regular season. He helped Anaheim contend for a Pacific Division title, though they ultimately fell short.

Still, the Ducks qualified for the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2018. Anaheim took on a daunting foe in the Edmonton Oilers. However, Anaheim eliminated Connor McDavid and the Oilers in six games. The Ducks would go on to lose in round two to the Vegas Golden Knights.

“This is a very exciting day for my family and me,” said Gauthier. “I’m so pleased to be able to sign long term with the Ducks and be part of what I believe is a great future.”