The kitchen sink drama of the week reached its anti-climax on Thursday afternoon, when the Anaheim Ducks officially announced the club matched a $90 million, 5-year offer sheet tendered by the Philadelphia Flyers on July 3 to restricted free agent center Leo Carlsson.
"Matching the offer sheet was an easy decision, as Pat (GM Verbeek) has intelligently left enough cap space to give us the ability to retain Leo," said Ducks owners Henry and Susan Samueli in the club's official release. "We have extremely high expectations for Leo. We firmly believe he will continue his strong growth trajectory and become one of the truly elite centers in the league, while continuing to make a strong impact on our community."
Anaheim had exactly one week -- until Friday at 3 pm -- to make a decision to either match or let Carlsson walk. If the latter was chosen, the Flyers would have had to forfeit four 1st-round picks in subsequent seasons. At least until future trades involve these slots, the picks are presumed safe.
With one of the big free agent fish-on-the-line out of reach, Flyers GM Danny Briere may now set his sights on disgruntled Red Wings center Dylan Larkin.
Earlier in the offseason, Larkin made his displeasure with GM Steve Yzerman and the franchise known publicly; however, Yzerman is reported to be asking a steep price in trade and is likely to begin the regular season with Larkin in the fold.
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