Philadelphia Flyers' offer sheet for Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson has sparked considerable discussion, with NHL star Brady Tkachuk asserting that the reported $18 million annual average value is not an overpayment and could ultimately be a favorable deal.
On his "Wingmen" podcast with his brother Matthew Tkachuk, Brady Tkachuk stated, "Eighteen million is not an overpay whatsoever." He further elaborated that Carlsson "comes as advertised" and that "eighteen million is probably going to be underpaid. That's how good this player is."
Carlsson, an RFA, received a five-year offer sheet from the Flyers that would make him the highest-paid player in the NHL if either the Flyers or the Ducks match it. This move by the Flyers has created a complex situation for the Ducks, who have a limited window to decide whether to match the offer.
Ducks' Cap Space Dilemma
The primary challenge for the Anaheim Ducks lies in their salary cap situation. At the time the offer sheet was presented, the Ducks had approximately $18 million in projected cap space. However, a subsequent re-signing of defenseman Pavel Mintyukov reduced this figure to around $9 million. The team must also account for future extensions for RFAs Cutter Gauthier and Beckett Sennecke, further complicating their ability to absorb Carlsson's substantial contract.
If the Ducks decide not to match the offer sheet by the deadline on Friday, they will receive a significant compensation package of first-round picks from the Flyers. The Tkachuk brothers suggested that as the NHL's salary cap continues to rise, future contracts for young stars like Macklin Celebrini and Connor Bedard could easily surpass Carlsson's current deal, reinforcing their view that $18 million might become an advantageous figure.