Leo Carlsson Producing Like an $18 Million AAV Player to Start the Season

Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson has opened the 2026-27 NHL season with six points in his first three games. After matching a five-year, $90 million offer sheet from the Philadelphia Flyers, the Ducks made Carlsson one of the league's highest-paid players at an $18 million annual average value. Carlsson currently leads Anaheim in scoring following matches against the Vegas Golden Knights, Florida Panthers, and Edmonton Oilers.

Inside The Rink notes that Carlsson's heavy contract created salary-cap pressure, contributing to veteran Chris Kreider moving to the Montreal Canadiens. While committing such substantial cap space raises questions about future roster flexibility, the publication highlights that Carlsson's early production provides early justification for the franchise's massive investment.