Attention in the National Hockey League is centered on the Philadelphia Flyers, who have presented an enormous five-year offer sheet to Anaheim Ducks’ restricted free agent Leo Carlsson, boasting an $18 million average annual value (AAV). This offer stands to make Carlsson the highest-paid player in the league, regardless of whether he joins the Flyers or the Ducks opt to match the offer.

Florida Panthers star Brady Tkachuk has expressed that acquiring the 21-year-old center with the $18 million cap hit could be a beneficial move. Tkachuk, along with his brother Matthew, discussed this offer on their podcast, “Wingmen,” as the Ducks face the shrinking window to respond. Brady remarked, “Eighteen million is not an overpay whatsoever.” Matthew agreed, underscoring Carlsson’s exceptional skills, “Unbelievable; he comes as advertised. Eighteen million is probably going to be underpaid.” Carlsson’s high valuation reflects Tkachuk’s belief in his potential value.

Tkachuk’s perspective is supported by the trend of increasing salary caps. Emerging stars such as San Jose’s Macklin Celebrini and Chicago’s Connor Bedard are expected to secure contracts potentially surpassing Carlsson’s offer. However, the crucial issue for the Ducks is whether they possess the cap space necessary to match the offer. Anaheim was facing a tight cap situation when Flyers GM Danny Briere extended the offer sheet, with just under $18 million in available cap space, accompanied by the re-signing of defenseman Pavel Mintyukov, reducing their space further.

The Ducks now must strategize regarding future restricted free agents Cutter Gauthier and Beckett Sennecke, which complicates matching Carlsson’s offer further. With the decision deadline set for Friday, the Ducks must decide whether to match the contract or accept a series of first-round picks from the Flyers as compensation.