"We have very high expectations for Leo. We are convinced that he will continue his strong development curve and become one of the league's top centres," the club's owners write in a press release.
Reports of the huge contract began to circulate last week when the Philadelphia Flyers submitted a monster offer - a five-year deal worth $18 million.
The Anaheim Ducks then had two options: either match the offer or let Carlsson go and instead receive four of the Flyers' first-round draft picks over the next four years. Anaheim had one week to make a decision.
Now it is clear that they will match the bid and Carlsson will remain in California. The 21-year-old Swede will become the highest-paid player in the league. Previously, Russian Kirill Kaprizov of the Minnesota Wild was the highest-paid, on $17 million per season. Edmonton Oilers scoring machine Connor McDavid, who is considered by many to be the best hockey player in the world, has a salary of $12.5 million per season.
"We are very pleased to have Leo under contract for the next five years. We see him as the ideal player to lift our club. Leo is a strong person with character and is one of the best players in the league. Our intention has always been to match other offers," says Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek.
Carlsson broke through with SHL club Örebro and with Tre Kronor he won the bronze medal at the 2025 World Cup. He was also selected for the Olympics last winter but missed the tournament due to an injury.
Leo Carlsson scored 67 points (29 goals + 38 assists) in 70 regular-season games with Anaheim last season.
