The Philadelphia Flyers have just put the entire NHL notice, signing Leo Carlsson to the boldest offer sheet we have seen in a long time.
Carlsson, 21, signed the Flyers’ offer sheet Friday, a five-year pact that carries a monstrous $18 million AAV, which would make him the highest-paid center in the NHL on a $90 million deal.
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Within the rules of the NHL’s compensation bracket, the Flyers would be required to give up their next four first-round picks to the Anaheim Ducks if they choose not to match.
The Ducks will have seven days to match.
Carlsson, the second overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, erupted for 29 goals, 38 assists, and 67 points in 70 games with the Ducks this season, then added another four goals and 11 assists in 12 playoff games.
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This move is the Flyers calling the Ducks’ bluff, as the Ducks have made it clear they intent to match any and every offer sheet Carlsson receives.
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Now, general manager Danny Briere and the Flyers have asked the Ducks to prove it.
It is worth noting that, at the time of this writing, the Ducks have $35 million in cap space, but they still need to re-sign ex-Flyers prospect Cutter Gauthier, who is also a restricted free agent, as well as defensemen Tyson Hinds and Pavel Mintyukov.
Additionally, the entirety of the right side of the Ducks’ defense has departed in free agency, with Jacob Trouba (San Jose), Radko Gudas (Florida), and John Carlson (Tampa Bay) all moving on to new teams.
If the Flyers are successful in their offer sheet and the Ducks do not match, they will be left with $11 million in cap space, still needing to re-sign Trevor Zegras, Nikita Grebenkin, and Jamie Drysdale.
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