The Philadelphia Flyers’ pursuit of Leo Carlsson has generated one of the NHL’s biggest offseason debates, with executives, players, and fans weighing in on the unprecedented contract. Brady Tkachuk is among those who believe the bold move represents more than just a massive payday for one player.
As Anaheim works through the long-term consequences of matching the deal, Tkachuk sees the situation as a sign that the league’s approach to restricted free agents is changing.
Brady Tkachuk Backs Leo Carlsson’s Blockbuster Offer Sheet From Philadelphia
Tkachuk has no issue with Carlsson becoming the centerpiece of the NHL’s biggest contract story, arguing that the young Anaheim Ducks star has already shown the type of talent worthy of a groundbreaking deal.
Speaking on Wingmen with Matthew and Brady Tkachuk, the former Ottawa Senators captain praised both the player and the aggressive mindset behind Philadelphia’s decision. Looking back at previous offer sheets, Tkachuk recalled the surprise surrounding Sebastian Aho’s situation with Montreal before explaining why today’s NHL has changed.
“There’s always an unspoken, ‘Don’t do that,’ but it’s all about making your team better,” Brady Tkachuk said, adding that front offices are no longer avoiding offer sheets simply because of an old unwritten code.
For Tkachuk, the bigger story was Carlsson’s value rather than the size of the contract. “$18 million is not an overpay whatsoever. He is unbelievable. He comes as advertised,” he said.
He then went even further, suggesting the deal could eventually look like a bargain. “$18 million is probably going to be an underpay. That’s how good he is. He is so fun to watch.”
He also pointed to the limited leverage most restricted free agents typically have during negotiations.
Tkachuk pointed out that players in that position usually have to choose between betting on themselves with a shorter contract or accepting long-term security. Carlsson’s situation, he explained, is different because opportunities like this only come along for truly elite young players.
While Tkachuk celebrated the deal from a player’s perspective, Anaheim faces an entirely different reality altogether.
The Flyers loaded the contract with $85.3 million in signing bonuses, including nearly $20 million payable immediately, making the financial commitment just as daunting as the record-setting $18 million annual cap hit.
Matching the offer would tighten the Ducks’ salary cap picture after Pavel Mintyukov’s extension, leaving less than $10 million in projected space for the rest of the roster.
The frustration surrounding the situation only grew because reports indicated Carlsson had previously been willing to consider an eight-year extension at $9.5 million a pop. Instead, Anaheim allowed negotiations to reach the open market, giving Philadelphia an opportunity to reset expectations across the league.
In the end, the Ducks have to either match the five-year, $90 million offer sheet and retain their franchise center, or swim against the tide and accept the Flyers’ four first-round picks instead.
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Meanwhile, with this move, Philadelphia has succeeded in reshaping the conversation around restricted free agents, and Tkachuk believes the player at the center of it deserves every bit of the attention.
