The Flyers have tendered a 5-year offer sheet to Anaheim Ducks RFA center Leo Carlsson worth an AAV of $18 million (total $90 million).
Anaheim now has seven days to match the offer sheet under NHL CBA rules (Section 10.3). If they do not match, the Flyers would acquire Carlsson, and the Ducks would receive four first-round picks from Philadelphia (one each in 2027, 2028, 2029, and 2030) as compensation. This is the highest tier of offer sheet compensation, which applies to contracts with an AAV of roughly $11.94 million or more.
Background and Context
- Carlsson’s situation: The 21-year-old Swedish center (drafted 2nd overall in 2023) is a restricted free agent after his entry-level contract expired. In 2025-26, he had a strong season with 29 goals and 67 points in 70 games, plus playoff production helping the Ducks reach the second round. He’s viewed as a franchise centerpiece.
- Why an offer sheet? Carlsson was eligible due to the structure/timing of his prior deal. The Flyers, under GM Danny Briere, have a clear need at top-line center and are aggressively pursuing talent. This bold move (the largest AAV in the offer) signals intent to shake up the market, even if many expected the Ducks to retain him.
- Ducks’ position: Prior reports (as recent as July 2) indicated Anaheim was prepared to match any offer sheet on Carlsson and had preserved cap space for that purpose. Matching would tie up significant cap space but keep their young core intact.
This is a rare high-stakes offer sheet in the modern NHL (offer sheets are uncommon due to compensation and relationships between GM’Claude s). Expect significant updates in the coming days as the Ducks decide. Flyers fans are buzzing, while Ducks fans are likely confident in a match but wary of the cap implications.
Claude Giroux
The Flyers are indeed signing Claude Giroux, per my source.
The Fourth Period, David Pagnotta, was the first to report. Welcome back home to Philly Claude Giroux.
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