Toronto Maple Leafs: Examining The Gauthier Extension

Yesterday, the Toronto Maple Leafs announced the re-signing of Frederik Gauthier to a two-year, two-way contract.

As we enter into the dog days of summer, there’s no better time than the present to examine this move in extreme detail. Isn’t the offseason great?

News of Gauthier’s extension elicited a number of responses on Twitter, most of which boiled down to a simple; “why?”. Such scepticism is completely warranted.

Through 37 games of big league experience, the former first-round pick hasn’t done all that much to affirm management’s confidence in him achieving long-term success in the NHL. As I’ve previously mentioned, Gauthier has failed to crack the 20-point barrier in any of his 4 seasons of professional service.

It’s easy to assume that, were Gauthier chosen in any round but the first, we’re probably not discussing him signing a contract extension following 5 underwhelming years of duty.

This isn’t to paint Gauthier as useless. Not by any stretch. In fact, retaining Gauthier’s services reads as a decidedly low-risk move for both player and team. One capable of producing only a best-case scenario.

Let’s examine why.

Financial Implications

At an AAV of $675,000, Gauthier’s new cap hit barely clears league minimum. Which, judging by the context, isn’t much of a surprise.

With a resume bearing only brief NHL auditions and a large helping of consistent offensive ineptitude in the AHL, commanding anything above this eventual total would have been pushing it.

In agreeing to a two-way deal, Gauthier’s salaries continue to differentiate between levels. If he manages to crack the lineup out of camp or earns an in-season promotion, his $675,000 is pro-rated for however long he remains with the Leafs.

In order to retain his RFA rights, the Leafs extended Gauthier a qualifying offer in late-June as soon as the availability window opened. This offer, were Gauthier have accepted it, carried an NHL cap hit of $874,125, a full $200,000 less than his eventual signing total.

While that seems like a steep drop, this current deal stands to benefit Gauthier the most.

By sacrificing NHL salary, he managed to negotiate an increase in both term and minor-level pay. At two years in length, Gauthier’s new contract doubles his QO’s one.

Furthermore, Gauthier is now guaranteed to earn nearly twice as much in base salary. Were he to spend all 2018-19 in the AHL, appearing to be the most likely outcome, $150,000 is the lowest he stands to make. This total dwarfing his QO’s guarantee of around $80,000.

On-Ice Implications

This is an undoubtedly smart wager.

In Gauthier’s case, he successfully squeezed an AHL pay upgrade from that of his ELC, in lieu of nothing other than NHL money. For the Leafs, they managed to neutralize any semblance of risk involved in retaining their asset.

As a centre, Gauthier plays the position of current organizational deficit. If he shocks the world and cracks the NHL, great! The Leafs would then possess a depth pivot locked in for two more years at a cap hit mere inches above the league minimum.

In the more likely event he remains a Marlie, the team stabilizes its depth down the middle while ensuring that Gauthier is paid a reasonable salary.

Not to mention, the possibility of a trade continues to exist.

With Gauthier signed to an extremely team-friendly contract, he’s a far more appealing asset to teams willing to bite on a centre with first-round pedigree. The obvious target here being Montreal, with their combination of centre issues and Gauthier’s French-Canadian descent.

Although, the two-way kicker could now attract suitors from all corners of the league.

Gauthier’s defensive prowess proved invaluable to the Marlies Calder Cup run, with the 23-year-old anchoring a smothering shutdown unit between Colin Greening and Pierre Engvall. A plethora of scouts attended those games, no doubt witnessing Gauthier’s emergence first hand.

In offseason meetings of teams facing a dearth of centres, his name likely comes up.

Regardless of where Gauthier begins or ends the season to come, he’ll do so at little to no risk.

Next: Opening Night Predictions

Thanks for reading!

Salary info courtesy of Cap Friendly.