Ducks – Sharks: Gauthier Out Day-to-Day for Wednesday Night

Cutter Gauthier will not play in Wednesday’s ducks – sharks game in San Jose after leaving Monday’s 5-4 overtime loss with an upper-body injury, the Anaheim Ducks said. He did not travel with the club and is being listed day-to-day ahead of the 9 p. m. ET matchup. Coach Joel Quenneville said Gauthier is not ready for Wednesday but added the organization does not expect a lengthy absence.

Ducks – Sharks roster impact

Gauthier, the Ducks’ leading scorer, registered 38 goals and 65 points in 73 games this season and left Monday’s game after scoring in the first period. His absence forces the Ducks to reshuffle forward minutes and short-term lines for the 9 p. m. ET meeting in San Jose, a game the club will play without him. The club confirmed he did not join the team for the road trip, reinforcing that his status will be monitored daily.

Immediate reactions and injury notes

“He’s not ready (Wednesday), but we don’t think he’ll be out too long, ” Ducks coach Joel Quenneville said, adding that Gauthier would be “questionable at best” for upcoming scheduled games later in the week. The organization also provided an update on Jansen Harkins: he underwent successful hand surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and his recovery time is expected to be approximately four weeks. Forward Roger McQueen signed an amateur tryout agreement with the Ducks’ American Hockey League affiliate in San Diego and may be available to help depth while injuries are evaluated.

What’s next

The Ducks will monitor Gauthier day to day with exams and practiced load management leading into their next matchups; coaching staff will confirm the lineup closer to puck drop for the 9 p. m. ET game in San Jose. Expect daily updates on Gauthier’s condition and any roster moves as the club readies for this stretch; the immediate focus remains stabilizing forward minutes and protecting scoring depth in the short term for the ducks – sharks matchup.