The Philadelphia Flyers have signed Anaheim Ducks centre Leo Carlsson to a five-year, US$90 million offer sheet, according to an announcement made Friday. The Ducks now have seven days to match the offer or lose the 21-year-old restricted free agent.
Details of the Offer Sheet
The offer sheet, which averages $18 million per season, was confirmed by multiple sources. If the Ducks decline to match, they will receive compensation in the form of draft picks from the Flyers. Under the NHL's collective bargaining agreement, the compensation for such an offer is four first-round picks due to the high average annual value.
Carlsson, selected second overall by Anaheim in the 2023 NHL Draft, has established himself as a key player for the Ducks. In the 2025-26 season, he recorded 28 goals and 45 assists for 73 points in 78 games, showcasing his offensive prowess and playmaking ability.
Impact on Both Teams
For the Flyers, signing Carlsson would add a dynamic centre to their lineup, bolstering their offence for the long term. The team has been rebuilding and sees Carlsson as a cornerstone piece. However, the hefty salary cap hit of $18 million per season will require Philadelphia to make roster adjustments to stay under the cap ceiling.
For the Ducks, losing Carlsson would be a significant blow. He has been a central figure in their rebuild and is considered a future star. Anaheim general manager Pat Verbeek stated, "Leo is a tremendous talent and an important part of our organization. We will carefully evaluate the offer sheet and make a decision that is in the best interest of the team."
Next Steps
The Ducks have until July 10 to decide whether to match the offer. If they match, Carlsson will remain in Anaheim under the same contract terms. If they decline, they will receive four first-round draft picks from the Flyers as compensation, which could be used to accelerate their rebuild.
This is the second high-profile offer sheet in recent NHL history, following the Montreal Canadiens' offer to Sebastian Aho in 2019, which was matched by the Carolina Hurricanes. The outcome of this situation will be closely watched by teams and fans alike.
