The Anaheim Ducks have matched the Philadelphia Flyers' five-year, $90 million offer sheet for center Leo Carlsson, securing the young forward through the 2028-29 season. The deal makes Carlsson the NHL's highest-paid player, surpassing Kirill Kaprizov's previous record with an annual average value of $18 million. This move was described by Ducks owners Henry and Susan Samueli as an "easy decision," highlighting their confidence in Carlsson's potential as an elite center and his impact on the community.

The contract structure is heavily weighted towards signing bonuses, with approximately $85.3 million in bonuses and only $4.7 million in base salary over five years. Carlsson is set to receive nearly $20 million in Year 1. Carlsson, the second overall pick in the 2023 NHL draft, had a strong season despite injury, recording 29 goals and 67 points in 70 games. He was also instrumental in the Ducks' playoff run, contributing four goals and 11 assists in 12 postseason games.

General Manager Pat Verbeek reiterated the organization's view of Carlsson as a "franchise player." The Flyers' offer sheet was a bold, albeit rare, strategy to acquire a top center, and their failure to secure Carlsson means they would have owed Anaheim four first-round picks as compensation. With Carlsson's contract resolved, the Ducks still face the task of re-signing forward Cutter Gauthier.