Anaheim Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek views Leo Carlsson as a cornerstone piece of the franchise’s ongoing rebuild following a matching of a five-year, $90 million offer sheet from the Philadelphia Flyers. The restricted free agent signed the sheet carrying an $18 million average annual value on July 3, prompting the Ducks to match the terms on July 9, according to team announcements.
Pat Verbeek and the Ducks Commitment to Leo Carlsson
The Ducks selected Carlsson with the No. 2 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, establishing a foundation that leadership refuses to break apart. According to Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek, the organization’s perspective on the young forward hasn’t shifted since draft day. “I think from the day that we drafted him, we viewed him as a cornerstone piece of our rebuild, and that hasn’t changed,” Verbeek said. Verbeek added that the club expects Carlsson to demonstrate elite capabilities over the course of the five-year contract, justifying the matching decision.
Carlsson enters the upcoming campaign at 21 years old with clear developmental objectives. According to the forward, he wants to build on last season’s performance to help Anaheim evolve into a perennial contender. “I’m going to grow as a player too,” Carlsson said. “I’ve done that every year so far. Trying to get away from these slumps that I’m having in seasons, trying to stay at the highest level I can be all year round. It’s going to be hard, but that’s my goal too.”
Did you know?
Leo Carlsson was selected second overall in the 2023 NHL Draft before signing a five-year, $90 million offer sheet with Philadelphia that Anaheim ultimately matched.
A.J. Greer Brings Championship Experience to Anaheim
Alongside the retention of Carlsson, the Ducks secured forward A.J. Greer through a trade with the Florida Panthers on June 29, followed by a four-year contract signing on July 1. The 29-year-old recorded career-high marks last season with 17 goals and 32 points across 78 games.
Greer intends to translate his championship pedigree into a larger offensive workload in California. According to Greer, the aggressive pursuit by Anaheim’s front office signals a major opportunity. “It’s an amazing opportunity for me. I think given the situation, I’m going to be putting myself in a position where I can establish myself as a top-nine guy,” Greer stated. He aims to help the team trend upward and chase another championship.
Roster Construction and Future Outlook for the Franchise
While Carlsson aims to iron out mid-season inconsistencies and anchor the top of the lineup, Greer provides proven depth and physical playoff experience from his time in Florida.
Pro Tip for Hockey Fans
Track top-nine forward utilization and power-play deployment during the opening month of the season to see how new acquisitions like Greer fit into early line combinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Leo Carlsson sign his offer sheet with the Philadelphia Flyers?
Leo Carlsson signed a five-year, $90 million offer sheet with the Philadelphia Flyers on July 3, which the Anaheim Ducks matched on July 9.
Where was A.J. Greer playing before joining the Ducks?
A.J. Greer was acquired in a trade with the Florida Panthers on June 29, where he won the Stanley Cup in 2025.
What were A.J. Greer’s stats last season?
A.J. Greer recorded career-best totals of 17 goals and 32 points in 78 games last season.
What is Pat Verbeek’s assessment of Leo Carlsson?
According to Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek, Carlsson has been viewed as a cornerstone piece of the franchise’s rebuild since the day he was drafted.
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