The Anaheim Ducks have matched the five-year, $90 million offer sheet extended to forward Leo Carlsson by the Philadelphia Flyers, securing the 21-year-old center as the highest-paid player in NHL history.
The contract carries an average annual value of $18 million and will run through the 2030-31 season. Ducks owners Henry and Susan Samueli stated that matching the offer was a straightforward decision, facilitated by general manager Pat Verbeek's foresight in maintaining salary cap flexibility.
"We have extremely high expectations for Leo," the owners said in a statement. "We firmly believe he will continue his strong growth trajectory and become one of the truly elite centers in the league, while continuing to make a strong impact in our community."
Carlsson, selected second overall by the Ducks in the 2023 NHL Draft, has played 201 NHL games and accumulated 141 points. Last season, he recorded 67 points in 70 games, with 29 goals making him the second-highest goal scorer for a Ducks player aged 21 or younger in a single season.
In 12 postseason games, Carlsson led all NHL players 21 and younger with 11 points and assists. He was also part of the Swedish national team for the 2025 Four Nations Face-Off, has competed in two World Championships, and one World Junior Championship.
General Manager Pat Verbeek expressed his satisfaction with the agreement. "We have viewed Leo as a franchise player since the moment we met him prior to the 2023 draft," Verbeek said. "He’s a character person on and off the ice. Leo is viewed as a top player in this league, and it was always our intention to match any offer sheet."
Carlsson's previous contract was an entry-level deal, and this new contract represents a significant jump in his career earnings, reflecting his performance and potential impact for the Ducks.