Ex-Team Canada Olympian Sends Ducks GM a Stern Message Over $90,000,000 Leo Carlsson Bomb

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Ex-Team Canada Olympian Sends Ducks GM a Stern Message Over $90,000,000 Leo Carlsson Bomb

The Anaheim Ducks have reached a pivotal moment as Leo Carlsson’s future suddenly hangs in the balance. What was expected to be a long-term extension has turned into one of the NHL’s biggest stories, leaving general manager Pat Verbeek with a decision that could shape the franchise for years.

Every passing day now brings more outside opinions, and one former Team Canada Olympian has publicly urged Anaheim to make its move.

Jason Demers Urges Ducks to Match Leo Carlsson’s Historic Deal​

Carlsson has become the centerpiece of the NHL’s biggest contract battle after being served a five-year, $90 million offer sheet with the Philadelphia Flyers.

The contract carries an $18 million average annual value, setting a new league record and giving the Ducks just seven days to decide whether to match the deal or let one of their brightest young stars walk away.

Former NHL defenseman and 2022 Team Canada Olympian Jason Demers made his position crystal clear shortly after the news broke. Sharing a “Pay that man his money” GIF on X, Demers posted a simple but pointed message directed at Anaheim’s front office, writing, “A message to the Anaheim Ducks.”

The financial challenge became even more apparent after NHL insider Frank Seravalli revealed the contract’s detailed structure. Carlsson would receive a $19.95 million signing bonus immediately after the deal takes effect, followed by an $18.1 million bonus one year later.

By the end of the first 357 days, the total cash payout would reach $38.9 million, while roughly $85 million of the overall contract would come through signing bonuses instead of traditional salary.

That structure appears intentionally designed to make matching the deal as uncomfortable as possible, forcing Anaheim to consider both its salary cap and its other priorities.

Verbeek’s Choice Could Shape the Ducks for Years​

The Ducks have until July 10 to reach a final decision. If Verbeek matches the contract, Carlsson stays in Anaheim under the exact terms negotiated by Philadelphia. If the Ducks decline, the Flyers land the 21-year-old center while surrendering their next four first-round draft picks.

Reports prior to the offer sheet suggested Verbeek planned to match any outside bid for Carlsson. However, Philadelphia’s aggressive contract design has complicated that promise by combining a record-setting cap hit with massive upfront bonus payments.

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Turning the contract down would preserve financial flexibility and deliver 4 first-round draft picks, but replacing a player widely viewed as the team’s future No. 1 center is another matter entirely. As the deadline approaches, the pressure will continue to mount, with everyone in the NHL community likely keeping their eyes on Verbeek’s decision.

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