Ducks' Cutter Gauthier planning for injury return vs. Canucks

The star winger has missed five games due to an upper body injury but could be back on the ice on Sunday.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:23am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a hockey player in mid-motion, with sharp planes of teal, orange, and blue representing the dynamic energy of the game.A cubist interpretation of a pivotal moment in the Ducks-Canucks matchup, as Anaheim's star forward Cutter Gauthier makes his highly anticipated return to the ice.Anaheim Today

The Anaheim Ducks are expecting to get a major boost to their lineup as star winger Cutter Gauthier is planning to return from an upper body injury and play against the Vancouver Canucks on Sunday. Gauthier, who leads the team with 38 goals and 65 points this season, has missed the last five games but is aiming to be back in action this weekend as the Ducks make a late push for the playoffs.

Why it matters

Gauthier's return is crucial for the Ducks, who are in desperation mode as they try to clinch a playoff spot in the final weeks of the regular season. The 24-year-old winger has been one of the NHL's breakout stars this year, and his scoring ability could provide a much-needed offensive spark for Anaheim as they battle for a postseason berth.

The details

Gauthier told reporters after practice on Saturday that the plan is for him to return to the lineup against the Canucks on Sunday. The Ducks may also get defenseman Radko Gudas back from a lower body injury for the same game. Anaheim currently holds a 42-32-5 record on the season and is still alive in the race for their division title, though they will likely lose any tiebreakers.

  • Gauthier last took the ice in a game for Anaheim on March 30.
  • The Ducks play the Canucks on Sunday, April 13, 2026 at 8:00 PM ET.
  • Anaheim has two regular season games remaining after the matchup with Vancouver, against Minnesota and Nashville.

The players

Cutter Gauthier

A 24-year-old star winger for the Anaheim Ducks who leads the team with 38 goals and 65 points this season.

Radko Gudas

An Anaheim Ducks defenseman who is also dealing with a lower body injury and could return to the lineup alongside Gauthier on Sunday.

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What they’re saying

“'Yep, that's the plan,'”

— Cutter Gauthier, Ducks player

What’s next

If Gauthier is able to return on Sunday as expected, it would likely give an immediate boost to Anaheim's offense as they make a late push for the playoffs. The Ducks have two regular season games remaining after facing the Canucks, against Minnesota and Nashville.

The takeaway

Cutter Gauthier's return from injury is a critical development for the Anaheim Ducks, who are in a tight race to clinch a playoff spot in the final weeks of the NHL regular season. The 24-year-old star winger has been a driving force for the Ducks' offense this year, and his scoring ability could provide the spark Anaheim needs to secure a postseason berth.