How the Flyers Could Use a Trade to Convince the Ducks Not to Match Carlsson’s Offer Sheet
· Yahoo Sports
The Philadelphia Flyers sent a bombshell offer sheet in, signed by Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson on Friday. Now, the Anaheim Ducks have a week to determine whether or not they want to match the offer sheet given by the Flyers, or let Carlsson walk.
Visit casino-promo.biz for more information.
If the Ducks do let Carlsson go, they would get the Flyers’ 1st-round pick in the 2027, 2028, 2029, and 2030 NHL Drafts. Bringing in Carlsson fills a massive need for the Flyers, one that will likely help the Flyers in playoff contention. One thing the Ducks will have to keep in mind: what will be worth more in 5 years? The Flyers’ 4 1st round draft picks or Leo Carlsson? Survey says, Carlsson.
Now, that is not the only factor in this. There are financial implications as well. Can the Ducks take on the $18 million AAV? Or what about the bonus-heavy payouts? Matching could really restrict what the Ducks could do in the short and long term.
There is a lot for the Ducks to think about when weighing this decision.
Now, the Flyers cannot simply substitute picks for players or prospects. Since the offer sheet is signed, Carlsson cannot be traded. So this isn’t as simple as coming up with trade packages for Carlsson. It is possible that a team decides not to match and then receives the picks as compensation. They could then turn around and offer the picks right back to the team in exchange for other assets.
In fact, it’s happened before, and the Flyers were involved. Back in 1997, the Flyers signed Chris Gratton to an offer sheet from the Lightning, which they could not match. Tampa did not want the picks, so it tried trading Gratton elsewhere to avoid the picks. The league intervened and said that was not allowed. However, the Lightning eventually returned the 1st-round picks to the Flyers in exchange for Mikael Renberg and Karl Dykhuis.
The Flyers, if Ducks GM Pat Verbeek will listen, could do something similar to get the Ducks not to match the offer sheet. Again, the Ducks would receive the next 4 Flyers 1st-round picks if they decide not to match the offer sheet. Those picks could lose value rapidly, especially if Carlsson does what’s expected in Philly.
The Flyers put the Ducks in an uncomfortable position if they decide to match the deal. So, if they are leaning towards not matching, the promise of prospects and players instead of picks.
But what could the Flyers offer?
The Ducks defense, especially after losing John Carlson and Olen Zellwegger, is bare. Rasmus Ristolainen remains in trade rumors and could be a great fit with the Ducks. Cam York, an Orange County native, could also be a solid fit with the Ducks if they do not want Ristolainen.
Naturally, the Flyers will have to move a forward if they bring in Carlsson. Owen Tippett has been in trade rumors for quite some time. Whether the Flyers are shopping him or not, he brings a ton of value and a unique skill set that could complement the Ducks’ top-6. Of course, other forwards could be on the way out if they bring in Carlsson. With the Ducks losing a center, maybe someone like Noah Cates would interest them.
However, two players that are rumored to be on the market are still not enough for a 21-year-old 1C. If this is the route they go, prospects would need to be involved as well. Lastly, that 2027 (or 2028) Toronto 1st-rounder is pretty valuable. You have to wonder if maybe that could be the needle mover in a package valued higher than 4 Flyers 1sts.
If they do try to sweeten the deal to make sure the Ducks don’t match the offer sheet, what would you trade?
Read More:Examining the Ducks’ Cap Situation: Can They Match the Flyers’ Offer Sheet for Carlsson?
The post How the Flyers Could Use a Trade to Convince the Ducks Not to Match Carlsson’s Offer Sheet appeared first on Philly Hockey Now.