The Philadelphia Flyers’ decision to hand Anaheim Ducks restricted free agent Leo Carlsson a five-year, $90 million offer sheet has quickly expanded beyond one NHL franchise. The proposed $18 million average annual value has become the latest benchmark in discussions surrounding future contracts for Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini.
Philadelphia officially announced the offer, stating:
“The Philadelphia Flyers have tendered an offer sheet to Anaheim Ducks 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.”
Anaheim now has seven days to decide whether to match the contract or accept four first-round draft picks as compensation. Carlsson earned the payday after recording 67 points in 70 regular-season games and adding 11 points during Anaheim’s run to the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
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Leo Carlsson’s deal changes the conversation
NHL insider Kevin Weekes believes the ripple effects are already being felt across the league.
“👀Per my conversations earlier in the week with sources, the @AnaheimDucks were hoping to be between 10M-12M AAV for Carlsson & Gauthier, knowing Sennecke will be next in line, the @NHLFlyers have now come off the top rope. This also impacts Bedard & Celebrini. #HockeyX”
Weekes’ assessment reflects the reality facing general managers. Elite young centers are increasingly setting the market for one another, regardless of whether they play for the same organization. Carlsson’s offer gives agents another comparable contract during negotiations with the Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks.
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Jason Gregor highlighted the statistical comparison that is already driving debate.
“Leo Carlsson was the 2nd pick in 2023 draft. He has played 201 NHL games and produced 61-80-141 points. Connor Bedard was the 1st pick in the 2023 draft. He has played 219 games and produced 75-128-203 points. Carlsson will get $18m. What will Bedard sign for?”
Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini remain unique cases
Despite the comparisons, neither situation perfectly mirrors Carlsson’s.
Bedard finished the 2025-26 season with 75 points in 69 games despite missing time with a shoulder injury. He remains the centerpiece of Chicago’s rebuild and is expected to receive a long-term extension as the franchise’s future captain. His stronger career production could strengthen his negotiating position if Carlsson’s deal becomes official.
Celebrini’s case may be even more intriguing. The Sharks star exploded for 115 points in his sophomore season, finishing fourth in NHL scoring while leading San Jose’s resurgence.
ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski believes comparisons only go so far.
“I’ve seen some people asking what the Carlsson offer sheet means for Macklin Celebrini’s next deal. I imagine: 1. Nothing, he’s getting a blank check. 2. He was adopted by MacKinnon and Crosby which means he’ll take less than market value anyway.”
Every negotiation will still depend on team structure, cap flexibility, and long-term planning. Carlsson’s offer sheet may not determine Bedard’s or Celebrini’s next contracts, but it has undoubtedly raised the starting point for discussions around the NHL.
