Philadelphia Flyers News & Rumors: Carlsson, Giroux, & Arbitration Filings – Hockey Writers – Philadelphia Flyers

After July 1, the NHL season usually begins to wind down, and teams strengthen their rosters. But the Philadelphia Flyers had other plans last Friday, tendering a record-setting deal to Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson. Anaheim has until July 10 to match the Flyers’ five-year, $18 million offer, or he will join the Orange and Black. Compensation for four first-round picks from 2027 to 2030.

Let’s get into the latest on Carlsson, a big free agency signing that shouldn’t have happened, and some filing complaints.

The latest in the Leo Carlsson Offer Sheet

Four days after the first offer sheet, we still don’t know what direction the Ducks will take here. It’s anyone’s guess, but in my opinion, I think Carlsson is staying in Anaheim.

Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman addressed the situation in the season finale episode of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast. According to him, he believes that the Ducks have an annual offer of about $12.5 million, and that there has been a counter offer of about $15 million a year. Anaheim balked at that price, not realizing what they were getting into. Not long after, the Flyers entered.

There have been details over the past few days, but the Ducks’ decision is known only to them at this time.

If I may give my own personal thoughts, the Flyers need Carlsson more than the Ducks. Anaheim, like Philadelphia, has two young, potential top forwards in Cutter Gauthier and Beckett Sennecke. However, the Ducks also have the long-time No. 1 defensive back in the lineup. 1 in Jackson LaCombe, a strong prospect pool (if you don’t include Porter Martone on the Flyers), a better track record, and less money invested in veterans.

The way I see it, the Ducks can let Carlsson go because he did a lot of things right during the rebuild. The Flyers can’t afford this offer sheet to match because their need for a No. 1 center is dire. He could stay at pivot, but it’s probably too late in the offseason for that.

Giroux Re-Signs With Senators

Shortly after Carlsson’s offer papers were announced, insider David Pagnotta wrote on Twitter/X, “For now… Claude Giroux is signing with the Flyers.” However, the 38-year-old forward re-signed with the Ottawa Senators on Monday, July 6.

Pagnotta owns the mistake—this is not to rub salt in the wound—but simply to point out that Flyers fans thought this was a done deal. But it was not to be.

While it would be fun and improve the middle six, a Giroux reunion would add to an already very physical forward group. In the playoffs, head coach Rick Tocchet scratched Alex Bump and Matvei Michkov multiple times. Another player commanding nine-plus minutes is a good thing, sure, but the kids should be the No. 1 priority. 1.

The Senators could get more use out of Giroux than the Flyers, though. He was a key player for them last season, recording 49 points, putting up offensive adjusted plus/minus (RAPM) numbers, and leading the league in faceoff percentage (at least 200 attempts).

As for the Flyers, what is said here is not good. If the Ducks match the sheet Carlsson is offering, this summer will be a big disappointment. Philadelphia may deserve credit for trying, but “trying” doesn’t cut it. The results do.

Whether it was buying or selling, the Flyers had to do it something. Just getting the depth may not matter at all. After all, many journalists who beat said that the summer of 2026 will be big for this team. The Orange and Black are at the mercy of Verbeek and the Ducks until the fans are left completely opposite.

Jamie Drysdale and Trevor Zegras Arbitration File

On July 5th, it was announced that two important Flyers restricted free agents (RFAs) are filing for salary waivers: Jamie Drysdale and Trevor Zegras. The hearing will run from July 20 to Aug. 1, according to NHL.com.

If the Ducks don’t match Carlsson’s offer sheet, the Flyers will only have $11.6 million to spend on two players. But that shouldn’t be too much of a concern. Adding Carlsson down the middle should mean a striker is removed—perhaps someone like Noah Cates or Owen Tippett, who would free up $4 million and $6.2 million in annual salary, respectively.

Either way, there is no real risk here in Flyers. Applying for arbitration means that Drysdale and Zegras will not be offered to another club. Therefore, the Orange and Black are in a comfortable position up front, even if it happens when the Ducks choose not to match Carlsson’s offer sheet.

By the end of this week, the Flyers could be in one of two places. In the first, they finally have their 1C, checking the hardest box during this rebuild. Second, they are back where they started, risking a mid-2026-27 finish. Considering how much other Eastern Conference teams upgraded their rosters over the summer, Philadelphia could find itself missing the playoffs.