​Daniel Briere swung for the fences but was ruled out on a fly ball. Pat Verbeek swooped in, matching the Philadelphia Flyers’ offer sheet for Leo Carlsson, who thereby became the league’s highest-paid player. Now the question is whether the Anaheim Ducks will be forced into moves they wouldn’t have considered if Carlsson weren’t set to earn $18 million a year. With only $9 million in cap space and Cutter Gauthier still needing a new contract, their financial tightrope becomes even more precarious. And what about Philadelphia? They had planned to shower Carlsson with money; will they shift their attention to other targets now?
There are several marquee players still available who could receive an offer sheet. The injured Connor Bedard could be a compelling target, even though he is expected to miss four months due to shoulder surgery. Additionally, there’s another prominent center who’s eligible for an offer sheet: Adam Fantilli. The Columbus Blue Jackets would attract interest from Briere and the Flyers, but if Fantilli received an offer sheet, would Columbus have the means to match without trading salary away? Currently, Columbus has about $23.2 million in cap space, but they must sign Fantilli, Cole Sillinger, and Jet Greaves. If Briere targets Fantilli with an offer rivaling Carlsson’s, would Don Waddell become more inclined to move out some salary? Could the idea of trading for entry-level contract players or prospects become more attractive?
Kent Hughes has shown persistent ambition, and it’s become evident that the Montreal Canadiens’ GM would love to land Kirill Marchenko. Then there’s the Ducks; with Carlsson absorbing so much cap space, might they look to unload a substantial contract? Could Hughes call to inquire about Chris Kreider’s availability? Kreider, despite a 15-team no-trade clause, brings grit and physicality that could help in the playoffs. The 35-year-old is entering the final year of his contract with a $6.5 million cap hit and tallied 50 points in 75 games last season. The Canadiens do have a historical connection to Kreider, but Carey Price isn’t there anymore, and Brendan Gallagher was the last remaining player from that 2014 series. Who played with Kreider for the Rangers in 2014? Canadiens coach Martin St-Louis.
The current situation places the ball squarely in Briere’s court. Depending on whom or what he targets, the ripple effects could extend across the league. Right now, it feels like the entire NHL is watching to see what else the Flyers have up their sleeve, and that certainly includes Hughes, who has been intent on strengthening his team since the season’s end. Follow Karine on X @KarineHains, Bluesky @karinehains.bsky.social, and Threads @karinehains. Bookmark The Hockey News for better SEO.