Ducks make massive Leo Carlsson decision

Coming off a successful 2025-26 season that saw the Anaheim Ducks win a playoff series, Anaheim was forced to make a decision that would alter the course of the franchise one way or another. 

A restricted free agent, Leo Carlsson became the subject of a tug of war that almost led him to move coasts to Philadelphia. 

Leo Carlsson will stay with the Ducks despite the Flyers' attempts to steal him 

On Thursday, the Ducks opened up their checkbook and matched the massive offer sheet presented to Carlsson by the Flyers. And by retaining Carlsson at an average annual salary of $18 million through the 2030-31 season, the Ducks made him the highest paid player in the NHL. 

To put Carlsson's new deal in perspective, Connor McDavid, an established legend of the game, is in the middle of a contract that only pays him an annually salary of $12.5 million. 

Matching Leo Carlsson's offer sheet wasn't a hard decision for the Ducks

But while costly, it wasn't a tough call for Anaheim. Prioritizing winning above all else, the Ducks knew letting Carlsson leave for Philadelphia would drastically weaken a team they believe is poised to make a run in the Western Conference. 

"Matching the offer sheet was an easy decision, as Pat has intelligently left enough cap space to give us the ability to retain Leo," said Ducks owners Henry and Susan Samueli as part of a statement with the announcement.