Ducks Match Flyers' Offer Sheet, Retaining Leo Carlsson on Five-Year Deal

Anaheim Ducks matched a five-year, $90 million offer sheet submitted by the Philadelphia Flyers for restricted free agent Leo Carlsson, ensuring the 21-year-old forward remains with the Ducks. The contract makes Carlsson the NHL’s highest-paid player with an $18 million average annual value.

Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek said the team had viewed Carlsson as a franchise player since meeting him before the 2023 draft and intended to match any offer sheet. The Flyers would have forfeited four first-round picks had the Ducks not matched the offer.

Carlsson, the second overall pick in 2023, posted 29 goals and 67 points in 70 games last season and added 11 points in 12 playoff games. He is regarded as one of the league’s top young centers.

Flyers general manager Danny Briere noted the team now has additional cap space to retain other restricted free agents such as Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale, or to consider future moves. He emphasized the need for patience and strategic decision-making rather than making a move solely for its own sake.