Anaheim Ducks Match Flyers' $90 Million Offer Sheet for Leo Carlsson
The Ducks signed center Leo Carlsson to a five-year, $90 million contract after matching an offer sheet from Philadelphia, making the deal the highest-average annual value in NHL history.
Anaheim retained forward Leo Carlsson by matching a five-year, $90 million offer sheet submitted by the Philadelphia Flyers on July 3. The contract, which carries an $18 million average annual value, is the richest in NHL history. Carlsson, 21, said the terms were compelling and expressed his desire to stay with the Ducks.
"It was an offer that 99 percent of people would sign too. I really wanted to be an Anaheim Duck," he said.
Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek praised the signing, noting the team has viewed Carlsson as a franchise player since drafting him in 2023. The club had until Friday to match the offer or receive four first-round picks as compensation.
Carlsson posted career highs last season with 29 goals, 38 assists and 67 points in 70 games, adding 11 points in 12 playoff contests. He was selected No. 2 overall in the 2023 draft and has accumulated 141 points over three seasons.
"Matching the offer sheet was an easy decision, as Pat has intelligently left enough cap space to give us the ability to retain Leo," Ducks owners Henry and Susan Samueli said.
The move follows a similar offer-sheet situation involving forward Barrett Hayton, whose one-year, $4.775 million contract was also matched by his team.