How Ducks' Leo Carlsson’s Offer Sheet Affects The NHL’s Top Remaining RFAs

The Philadelphia Flyers tendered a five-year, $18 million AAV offer sheet to Anaheim Ducks restricted free agent Leo Carlsson on Friday, which would make him the NHL's highest-paid player regardless of outcome. The Ducks must decide whether to match the offer or let Carlsson go and receive four first-round picks in compensation. This marks the second offer sheet of the season, following the New Jersey Devils' one-year, $4,775,000 offer to Barrett Hayton, and analysts are examining how Carlsson's deal sets a benchmark for other remaining 2026 RFAs.