ANAHEIM — The Anaheim Ducks matched a five-year, $90 million offer sheet for restricted free agent Leo Carlsson from the Philadelphia Flyers on July 9, 2026. This contract, extending through the 2030-31 NHL season, carries an average annual value of $18 million, which is the highest in NHL history.

Carlsson's contract surpasses the previous record of $17 million in average annual value held by Kirill Kaprizov of the Minnesota Wild. Had the Ducks not matched the offer sheet, the Flyers would have forfeited four first-round draft picks to Anaheim. The 21-year-old Carlsson recorded 29 goals and 67 points in 70 regular-season games during the previous season and added 11 points in 12 playoff games in the previous postseason. The Anaheim Ducks concluded the last regular season with a 43-33-6 record and advanced to the second round of the playoffs.

Ducks owners Henry Samueli and Susan Samueli released a statement regarding the decision. "Matching the offer sheet was an easy decision, as Pat has intelligently left enough cap space to give us the ability to retain Leo," the Samuelis said. "We have extremely high expectations for Leo. 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."

Anaheim Ducks General Manager Pat Verbeek also commented on Carlsson's new contract. "We are very happy to have Leo under contract for five years. We have viewed Leo as a franchise player since the moment we met him prior to the 2023 draft. He's a character person on and off the ice. Leo is viewed as a top player in this league, and it was always our intention to match any offer sheet." Verbeek indicated that increased salary cap space has altered how the team will operate. He said, "I think increased cap space has led to different circumstances. We're going to have to do business in a different manner, going forward."

Carlsson, who was selected second overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, acknowledged the magnitude of the offer. "It was kind of an offer that I think everyone would sign. When you see that number, it's hard to say no. My team, they understand, too, completely. They would have done the same thing."

Why It Matters

This contractual agreement for Leo Carlsson sets a new benchmark for player salaries within the National Hockey League, establishing the highest average annual value for a contract in the league's history. The decision by the Anaheim Ducks to match the offer sheet prevents the loss of a player they drafted second overall in 2023, solidifying their roster with a long-term commitment. The financial investment and the strategic use of cap space reflect the team ownership and management's evaluation of Carlsson as a central figure for the franchise's future. This also reflects changes in team management's approach to player acquisitions and retention in light of evolving salary cap conditions.