The Anaheim Ducks have matched the Philadelphia Flyers' five-year, $90 million offer sheet for center Leo Carlsson, making him the NHL's highest-paid player at an average of $18 million per season. This decision comes after the Ducks expressed their commitment to retaining Carlsson, who was the No. 2 pick in the 2023 NHL draft and had a strong season despite injuries.
Carlsson's contract includes $85.3 million in signing bonuses and only $4.7 million in base salary over five years. He scored 29 goals and 67 points in 70 games last season and played a crucial role in the Ducks' playoff run, which ended in the second round against the Vegas Golden Knights. The Ducks now turn their attention to securing a contract for restricted free agent Cutter Gauthier.
