The focus in the NHL currently centers on the Philadelphia Flyers’ ambitious move, offering RFA Leo Carlsson of the Anaheim Ducks a significant five-year deal with an $18 million average annual value (AAV). This contract is substantial and would make Carlsson the highest-paid player in the league, regardless of whether he stays with the Ducks or moves to Philadelphia.
Brady Tkachuk of the Florida Panthers believes that acquiring the 21-year-old center with such a cap hit might be a wise investment. On the ‘Wingmen’ podcast, Brady and his brother Matthew discussed the offer sheet, noting the quickly closing window for the Ducks to respond.
“Eighteen million is not an overpay whatsoever,” Brady remarked, while Matthew concurred, “He comes as advertised. Eighteen million is probably an underpayment. That’s how exceptional this player is.”
Tkachuk’s assessment may hold weight, particularly as the salary cap grows. Looking ahead, players like Macklin Celebrini and Connor Bedard could align higher contracts. The Ducks’ dilemma isn’t just about Carlsson’s value but about their ability to fit the contract within their salary cap constraints.
Flyers GM Danny Briere’s strategy exposed Anaheim’s limited financial leeway. At the time of the offer, the Ducks had nearly $18 million in projected cap space, but re-signing defenseman Pavel Mintyukov reduced this to about $9 million. Coupled with potential extensions for RFAs like Cutter Gauthier and Beckett Sennecke, matching Carlsson’s offer becomes increasingly complex.
The Ducks have until Friday to respond. If they opt not to match, they would receive several first-round picks from the Flyers as compensation.
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