Florida Panthers star Brady Tkachuk has argued that Anaheim Ducks centre Leo Carlsson's league-record contract offer could prove a bargain, even at an $18 million average annual value. The Philadelphia Flyers have tabled a five-year offer sheet for the 21-year-old restricted free agent, a deal that would make Carlsson the highest-paid player in the NHL whether he moves to Philadelphia or the Ducks match it. The remarks matter because they frame a record-breaking figure as fair, or even cheap, value rather than an overpayment.

Speaking on the "Wingmen" podcast with his brother and teammate Matthew Tkachuk, Brady said $18 million was "not an overpay whatsoever" and might even prove underpaid given how good Carlsson is. With the salary cap rising, contracts for rising stars such as Macklin Celebrini and Connor Bedard could soon surpass it. Anaheim's difficulty is less about Carlsson's worth than cap space: after re-signing defenceman Pavel Mintyukov they have roughly $9 million left, and looming extensions for Cutter Gauthier and Beckett Sennecke make matching the offer harder and riskier. The Ducks have until Friday to decide.