Pat Verbeek made himself rather clear. Tender an offer sheet to Leo Carlsson, and he was going to make it no matter what. The Ducks allotted room to sign him, but three days into free agency, nothing. So, the question became: would anyone try to call his bluff on it?
Danny Briere said the answer is yes.
We have tendered an offer sheet to Anaheim center Leo Carlsson. The offer is a five-year contract worth an average annual value (AAV) of $18M, which would require four of the Flyers first-round draft picks in each of the next four seasons as compensation. https://t.co/nfhD4h6nEc
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) July 3, 2026
Regardless of who he ends up signing with, Carlsson will become the league's highest-paid player. He would surpass Leon Draisaitl, who currently makes $14 million. It also buys one year of unrestricted free agency. The Ducks have seven days to match the offer, or they will receive four draft picks, one in each of the next four years. The draft picks must belong to the team tendering the offer sheet. The Flyers still have the Leafs 2027 first-round pick, but would wipe out their own for the next four years.
Carlsson has steadily improved during his three years in the NHL. Even as a rookie in 2023, he posted 12 goals and 29 points. That jumped to 20 goals and 45 points the next season. He took another leap with 29 goals and 67 points this season, both of which were second on the Ducks.
Carlsson played a large role in the Ducks ending their lengthy playoff drought, and he played well in their first-round victory over Edmonton, posting three goals and seven points in six games. He finished the postseason with four goals and 11 points in 12 games as Anaheim nearly took Vegas to the brink in the second round, losing in six games.
Danny Briere takes a big swing with a potential reward incoming
Fans have been clamoring for Danny Briere to make a move like this. Even if the Ducks match the offer sheet, Briere showed that he's willing to make a big move to try to improve the Flyers. And if the Ducks decide to let Carlsson go, then it looks even better. The cap hit might be a bit of an overpay, but the only way to attract talent like this is to go a bit above the norm. And if Briere wanted Verbeek to really think about whether or not to match, he had to go as high as possible to give the Flyers a chance.
Carlsson would instantly slot in as the Flyers' number one center and give them one of the potential stars they've been looking for. With his steady improvement over the early part of his career and the fact that he is only 21, the sky could be the limit. And even as a young player, Carlsson has shown the ability to create offense without sacrificing his defense. The Ducks were clearly a better team with him on the ice.
While potentially giving up four first-round draft picks is daunting, Briere clearly believes in Carlsson enough to take the risk. It also allows the Flyers to simplify other aspects of their roster. While Trevor Zegras was expected to remain at center this upcoming year, he may not have to do so. It would take some responsibility off his plate and allow him to focus on other parts of his game. Sean Couturier could have his workload lightened a bit as well.
All eyes will be on Verbeek and the Ducks for the next season days. Either the Flyers significantly upgraded their team, or forced Anaheim to pay more money than they were likely comfortable with. Especially with them needing to sign Cutter Gauthier as well.
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