Ducks Match Offer Sheet; Retain Leo Carlsson

The Anaheim Ducks announced on Thursday morning that they have matched the offer sheet to Leo Carlsson. He will remain a Duck through the 2030-31 season on a five-year contract worth $18 million a season.

Leo Is Staying Put

The Philadelphia Flyers tendered a five-year offer sheet to the Ducks last Thursday. The Ducks had to decide whether to match or let their number-one center leave the team. The Ducks chose to keep the Swede, a decision that owners Henry and Susan Samueli said was an easy decision.

“Matching the offer sheet was an easy decision, as Pat has intelligently left enough cap space to give us the ability to retain Leo. We have extremely high expectations for Leo. 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.”

In 70 games last season, Carlsson scored 29 goals and recorded 67 points. In his three-year career, the center has scored 61 goals and has recorded 141 points. He scored four goals in 12 playoff games last season, helping the Ducks reach Round 2.

New Deal Complicates Ducks’ Budget

Unfortunately, the Carlsson deal does have financial ramifications. The Ducks only have $10 million in cap space left. The team needs to extend Cutter Gauthier, who scored 41 goals last season. He is due for a big payday.

General Manager (GM) Pat Verbeek may need to move a large contract or two in order to free additional money. Work has certainly been created for Verbeek, but he would have a tall order one way or another. Had the Ducks lost Carlsson, they would have needed to replace their top center. Retaining Carlsson and needing to move money is a tall order that Verbeek will gladly take on.

Big News In Quiet Span

NHL free agency has not taken off as much as others may have expected. The Carlsson signing is certainly some welcomed excitement in the hockey world.

Things may be quiet, but perhaps the Ducks just broke the ice. Be sure to check with The Hockey Writers as we look to cover all news as it happens!