The Anaheim Ducks have announced that they have locked up Leo Carlsson to a new deal. This follows the offer sheet that the Philadelphia Flyers had sent Carlsson’s way, but general manager Pat Verbeek made the tough but necessary decision to match the offer. Carlsson has signed a five-year deal worth an incredible $90 million. The deal carries a cap hit of $18 million and carries Carlsson through the 2030-31 season. It now means he will be the highest-paid NHLer, surpassing the Minnesota Wild Kirill Kaprizov.
Carlsson Re-Signs With the Anaheim Ducks After Offer Sheet
Centre Leo Carlsson re-signs a new contract with the Anaheim Ducks, ensuring one of the organization’s most important young players remains in Orange County for years to come. The deal comes after Carlsson completed the final season of his entry-level contract and further cemented his place as a cornerstone of Anaheim’s future.
Leo Carlsson's $18M AAV surpasses Kirill Kaprizov's $17M AAV for the highest in NHL history 💰 pic.twitter.com/pXsPecyYfa
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) July 9, 2026
Carlsson enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2025-26, recording 29 goals and 38 assists for 67 points in 70 games. The 21-year-old established himself as Anaheim’s first-line centre and played a major role in the club’s return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. His combination of offensive production, puck possession, and defensive responsibility made him one of the Ducks’ most valuable players throughout the season.
These attributes made him worthy of the subject of the offer sheet that Flyers general manager Daniel Briere sent his way. The fact that the offer sheet was received wasn’t such a surprise, but the average annual value was a shock. It even followed Verbeek saying he would match an offer sheet, if one was sent Carlsson’s way. Despite the size of it, which likely caused some delay in the deal being finalized, ultimately, and partly due to Verbeek’s own reputation, the deal was signed.
Career Background and Playing Profile
The Ducks selected Carlsson second overall in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft after an impressive development path in Sweden. Since arriving in the NHL, he has steadily developed into one of the league’s most promising young centres.
Standing six-foot-three and weighing over 200 pounds, Carlsson combines elite hockey sense with strong puck protection skills and impressive playmaking ability. He can create offence for both himself and his teammates while matching up against top competition. His production has increased in each of his first three NHL seasons, highlighting both his development and long-term potential.
Carlsson has also emerged as one of Anaheim’s most complete forwards. His strong two-way game, mature decision-making, and ability to drive play have helped establish him as a player the organization can build around moving forward.
Anaheim goal!Scored by Leo Carlsson with 13:24 remaining in the 3rd period.Assisted by Troy Terry and Chris Kreider.Vegas: 0Anaheim: 2#ANAvsVGK #ForgedInGold #FlyTogether
— NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social) 2026-05-07T04:05:57.622485Z
What This Means for Anaheim
For the Ducks, this signing secures a foundational piece of the roster. Carlsson joins a talented young core that includes Mason McTavish, Cutter Gauthier, Beckett Sennecke, Olen Zellweger, and Jackson LaCombe as Anaheim continues its progression toward becoming a consistent playoff contender.
The club has invested heavily in drafting and developing young talent over the past several years. By locking up Carlsson, Anaheim ensures its top centre remains in place as the team enters the next phase of its competitive window. If the Ducks are going to contend in the Western Conference in the coming years, Carlsson will undoubtedly be one of the players leading the charge.
Main Photo: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
