Make California Post a Preferred Source Leo Carlsson is aware of the elephant in the room that was this past summer.
In the early sweltering heat of July, Carlsson received and accepted a $90 million offer sheet from the Philadelphia Flyers that would eventually be offered to him by the Anaheim Ducks.
Three days before the Ducks had their season opener against the Vegas Golden Knights, Carlsson released a letter to the Anaheim fans, titled “Dear Ducks Fans,” to let them know why he accepted the offer.
But also informed them that his heart was in Anaheim.
“The contract negotiations over the summer were a lot to deal with for everybody, but when all is said and done, Anaheim is ultimately where I want to be for the rest of my life,” Carlsson wrote in the letter. “That to me was always a no-brainer. This was a unique situation, but I of course always wanted to be here.”
Carlsson went on to say that he loves the restaurants, the people, the weather and the environment that is Orange County.
On Wednesday, Eric Stephens of The Athletic spoke with the Ducks’ highest-paid player about the pressures of what’s to come.
“I don’t think it’s going to be anything crazy, to be honest. That’s just what I think,” Carlsson said to Stephens. “Obviously, a couple of my chirps here and there probably. And then I just have to show it with my game as well. See how it is.”
While it’s only two games into the season, Carlsson already has five points on the year, and had a goal in their home opener against the Florida Panthers.
Ducks fans have appeared to have put what happened in the summer in the past, as Carlsson received a roaring round of applause from the Anaheim fans when his name was called during pregame introductions.
“We have great fans here,” Carlsson said to Stephens. “It feels great every time that happens. You know, you feel like you’re doing something good. I love the fans. Hopefully they love me as well, so it’s fun.”
With Carlsson and the Ducks getting his lengthy stall of contract negotiations behind them, he currently has the highest cap hit of any player in the NHL ($18 million), as Macklin Celebrini (18.8 million AAV) and Cale Makar ($20.4 million AAV), who both signed contract extensions, will surpass Carlsson starting next season.
“[It’s] the organization and me having the idea to just really show everybody that I really want to be here if there’s still any doubters out there,” Carlsson said to Stephens. “Got a great response from it as well. Happy I did it.”
