The Anaheim Ducks are officially on the clock — and the NHL is watching.

After the Philadelphia Flyers tendered Leo Carlsson a massive five-year, $90 million offer sheet, Anaheim now has until Friday, July 10, 2026 to decide whether it will match and keep its young franchise centre. The deal carries an eye-popping $18 million AAV, which would make Carlsson one of the highest-paid players in the league. (NHL)

The exact deadline is tied to when Anaheim officially received the signed offer sheet, but based on the public announcement timing, the estimated deadline lands around 5:26 PM Eastern Time on Friday, July 10.

That is the time Ducks fans, Flyers fans, and the rest of the NHL should circle.

If Anaheim matches, Carlsson stays with the Ducks — but the franchise locks itself into a massive commitment for a 21-year-old centre who is clearly viewed as a cornerstone piece. If Anaheim does not match, Carlsson goes to Philadelphia and the Ducks would receive four first-round picks as compensation. (NHL)

That is what makes this so fascinating. This is not a small offer sheet designed to annoy another team. This is a full-on pressure play from Philadelphia. The Flyers are forcing Anaheim to either pay superstar money now or watch one of its most important young players walk out the door.

Carlsson is coming off a strong season, putting up 67 points in 70 games, plus 11 points in 12 playoff games. He has already shown he can be a major piece for Anaheim, but $18 million per season is the kind of number usually reserved for the absolute top tier of the sport. (NHL)

Now the question is simple.

Do the Ducks believe Leo Carlsson is worth that kind of money?

By Friday at roughly 5:26 PM ET, we should have our answer.

Carlsson To Philadelphia Flyers