The Anaheim Ducks have matched the Philadelphia Flyers’ record-setting five-year, $90 million offer sheet for restricted free agent center Leo Carlsson, securing the 21-year-old star on a contract that makes him the NHL’s highest-paid player with an $18 million average annual value.
Carlsson, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, expressed excitement about remaining with the Ducks, calling it his home.
“It’s going to be a special feeling, having this pressure,” he said, via ESPN. “I always wanted to be a Duck.”
Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek acknowledged surprise at the offer sheet’s magnitude but emphasized confidence in Carlsson’s potential. The contract, heavily structured with signing bonuses, reflects ownership’s commitment to building around the young center, who posted 29 goals and 67 points in 70 games during the 2025-26 season despite injuries.
In the playoffs, Carlsson contributed four goals and 11 assists in 12 games as Anaheim advanced to the second round. Ownership highlighted his trajectory toward becoming an elite center.
The move tests Anaheim’s cap flexibility as the team navigates contracts for other young talents. For the Flyers, the aggressive bid underscored their push to accelerate contention.
