The Anaheim Ducks have officially matched the Philadelphia Flyers’ five‑year, $90 million offer sheet for center Leo Carlsson, a move that guarantees the Swedish forward a $18 million salary each season through 2031, making him the highest‑paid player in the NHL.
Carlsson, who grew up in Sweden before joining the Ducks’ system, said the decision felt like a homecoming, expressing excitement about staying in Anaheim and continuing to build on the team’s recent successes.
A Bold Offer That Didn't Pay Off
The Flyers’ aggressive bid, orchestrated by general manager Daniel Briere, was seen as a bold attempt to reshape the roster after a turbulent period that included the recent loss of captain Claude Giroux to the Ottawa Senators.
Pat Verbeek, Anaheim’s general manager, emphasized that Carlsson is viewed as a franchise cornerstone, noting that the club never entertained the idea of letting him leave, regardless of the financial terms presented.
The contract places Carlsson at the apex of NHL earnings, surpassing previous salary benchmarks and signaling a new financial benchmark for elite restricted free agents entering long‑term deals.
While the Flyers will retain salary‑cap flexibility to chase other emerging talents such as Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale, the failed pursuit underscores the challenges of competing against a Ducks team that has signaled a clear commitment to its core.