The Philadelphia Flyers went for a home run equivalent to what Kyle Schwarber puts up regularly at Citizens Bank Park. Shortly after the start of free agency, the Flyers put in an offer sheet for Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson, which has been a rarity in the NHL. The Flyers put the pressure on the Ducks, forcing them to match a five-year, $90 million contract for Carlsson, or to let him walk to Philadelphia.
Last Thursday, the Ducks officially matched the deal, ensuring Carlsson would remain with the team and avoid the risk of losing their top center. With that, the Flyers' big splash move fell just short. Yet, it went to show just how far general manager Danny Briere was willing to go to ensure he could build a Stanley Cup-winning roster.
Given the state of the free agent market, the trade block has become very popular this offseason. But there are also a bevy of top young players who are restricted free agents that can also be signed to an offer sheet. Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli is one of them. Would Briere repeat his offer sheet method with Fantilli?
Don't bank on it.
Flyers unlikely to sign Adam Fantilli to an offer sheet
The Athletic's Aaron Portzline hinted last week that it's possible the Flyers could send an offer sheet over to Fantilli if they miss out on Carlsson. Portzline also pointed out that Briere's son, Cam, is a video coach on the Blue Jackets currently, which would have made it an awkward situation.
But after the Ducks signed Carlsson, The Athletic's Kevin Kurz said that after talking to sources inside the Flyers organization, it's unlikely the team will go down the offer sheet route again this offseason. That goes for Fantilli and even Chicago Blackhawks star Connor Bedard. Kurz says that they pursued Carlsson because it would put the Ducks in a financial bind and increase the odds of the 21-year-old walking to Philadelphia.
"But this week, a Flyers team source, provided anonymity to speak freely about internal discussions, downplayed that possibility," writes Kurz. "While they’ll certainly keep looking for a high-end center, the Carlsson offer sheet was as much about the circumstances as the player himself. There was a fair amount of planning and preparation behind the offer, which was tailored economically to put pressure on the Ducks organization to let Carlsson walk. By matching it, the Ducks are in a jam from a salary cap perspective, with so many other young players due new deals soon, while the whole right side of their defense is questionable, at best."
While the Ducks did express that they were always going to match Carlsson's offer, they are now strapped for cap space. After the extensions of Carlsson and Pavel Mintyukov, they also have to re-sign Cutter Gauthier, who is coming off of a 41-goal season. Now, they'll have to free up cap space to fit what could very well be an annual salary of around or over $10 million. That means they would have to cut bait with the likes of Chris Kreider, Alex Killorn, or Frank Vatrano to free up space.
Kurz also mentions that if Briere were to sign a second player to an offer sheet, it could worsen his relationship with fellow general managers.
The Blue Jackets seemed to be in a bit of trouble this offseason, as it looked like there was going to be an exodus of top talent. Zach Werenski was set to meet with the Blue Jackets after the NHL Draft to discuss his future with the team and has since committed to the team after vetoing a trade to the Dallas Stars. ESPN's Kevin Weekes reported during the first round of the draft that winger Kirill Marchenko was unlikely to re-sign with the Blue Jackets. Now, Fantilli is a restricted free agent.
This past season, Fantilli recorded 24 goals, 35 assists, and a 49.8 face-off percentage through 82 games. Through his three seasons, Fantilli posted 67 goals and 73 assists in 213 games.
As for what kind of deal Fantilli could get, AFP Analytics projects he could get an eight-year contract extension with a cap hit of over $10 million.
The Flyers tried to swing big for Carlsson, but were unsuccessful. When it comes to a pursuit of Fantilli or another restricted free agent, it appears to be unlikely.
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