The Anaheim Ducks had a choice to make when the Philadelphia Flyers dropped a record-breaking offer sheet on Leo Carlsson earlier this month. Take the four first-round picks as compensation, or keep the 22-year-old center and pay him like the face of the franchise. They didn’t hesitate.
Team owners Henry and Susan Samueli called matching that offer sheet an “easy decision” in a statement Thursday. The Ducks had the cap space — general manager Pat Verbeek left enough room to make it work — and the organization sees Carlsson as a cornerstone piece, not a trade asset.
“We have extremely high expectations for Leo,” the Samuelis said. “We firmly believe he will continue his strong growth trajectory and become one of the truly elite centers in the league, while continuing to make a strong impact in our community.”
A Record Payday for a Rising Star
Carlsson’s new deal makes him the highest-paid player in NHL history on an annual basis, at $18 million per season over five years. That edges out Kirill Kaprizov of the Minnesota Wild, who pulls in $17 million per year. For a guy who just turned 22 in December, that’s a serious vote of confidence.
Anaheim drafted Carlsson second overall in 2023, and he’s already proven to be worth the investment. Through 201 career games, he’s put up 141 points. He’s also the youngest player in Ducks history to hit 50 goals and 100 points, and the youngest Swedish-born player ever to reach that century mark.
His rookie year was a solid 29-point campaign. Then he broke out in 2024-25 with 20 goals and 45 points, finishing third on Anaheim in scoring. That 20-goal season also made him the youngest player in franchise history to get there.
Why Philadelphia’s Gamble Backfired
The Flyers threw that offer sheet at Carlsson hoping the Ducks wouldn’t match. It was a bold move — the kind of high-risk play that could reshape a franchise if it works. But Anaheim called their bluff. And now Philadelphia walks away with nothing while Carlsson stays in Orange County with a contract that resets the market.
It’s not hard to see why the Ducks matched. Letting a 22-year-old center with elite potential walk for four picks — even first-rounders — only makes sense if you don’t believe in the player. The Ducks clearly believe. And they’re betting $90 million that Carlsson keeps getting better.
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