Flyers sign Ducks center Leo Carlsson to NHL-record $90M offer sheet

Philadelphia has given Anaheim seven days to match a record $90M offer sheet for 21-year-old star center Leo Carlsson.

The Philadelphia Flyers have tendered the largest offer sheet in NHL history, targeting Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson with a five-year, $90 million deal worth $18 million per year. The move was announced Friday, setting off a seven-day clock during which the Ducks must decide whether to match the contract or lose their young star. If Anaheim declines to match, they would receive four first-round draft picks from Philadelphia as compensation — a steep but standard price under NHL collective bargaining rules for an offer sheet of this magnitude. Carlsson is 21 years old and considered one of the Ducks' cornerstone players. The $18 million annual average value sets a new NHL record for an offer sheet, underscoring how aggressively Philadelphia is pursuing the young center. Offer sheets are a relatively rare tactic in the NHL, as teams typically match them to retain their players, but the record dollar figure makes the decision a significant financial commitment for a rebuilding Anaheim franchise.

Why it matters

At a record $18M per year, the offer sheet forces Anaheim into a high-stakes financial decision that could reshape both franchises — either the Ducks commit to a massive long-term contract for their 21-year-old center, or Philadelphia acquires one of the league's top young players. The four first-round picks in compensation make it a consequential choice either way.

What's next

The Ducks have seven days from Friday to decide whether to match the $90 million offer sheet or allow Carlsson to join Philadelphia.

Key facts

• The offer sheet is for five years at $18 million annually, totaling $90 million
• $18M AAV is an NHL record for an offer sheet
• Leo Carlsson is 21 years old and plays center for the Anaheim Ducks
• Anaheim has seven days to match the offer or lose Carlsson
• If Anaheim does not match, Philadelphia must send four first-round draft picks as compensation
• The Flyers announced the offer sheet on Friday

Bias & framing notes

Both sources report the same core facts and agree on all key figures. Source 1 frames the story from Philadelphia's perspective ('Flyers tender offer'), while Source 2 leads with the Ducks' situation and the record-setting nature of the deal, but neither source introduces conflicting information or notable editorial spin.

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