The New York Rangers offseason is officially underway, and the team has undergone an overhaul. Their main additions this offseason was bringing in winger Pavel Dorofeyev from the Vegas Golden Knights, defenseman Sean Durzi from the Utah Mammoth, and defenseman Marcus Pettersson from the Vancouver Canucks. These are moves on paper that make the Rangers a better team than they were this past season. But they still have a ways to go.
They have some catching up to do in the Metropolitan Division. The Philadelphia Flyers showed this past season that they are on the rise, as they clinched third place this past season and advanced to the second round after defeating the Pittsburgh Penguins. Considering how young the roster is, the Flyers figure to be a playoff contender for years to come. But they are in a position to make a big move, considering all of the assets they have.
This past week, the Flyers made that big splash, as they signed Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson to an offer sheet, that pays him $18 million annually over five years. With that annual salary, Carlsson would be the highest paid player in all of hockey. The Ducks have until July 10 to match the offer, but if they don't, the Flyers would have to send over four first round picks within the next five years.
This was already seen as a ruthless move by the Flyers, as they are not only trying to pry one of the Ducks' best young players away from them, but they are also set to drastically alter the market. But if the Carlsson move doesn't pan out, that's not stopping them from embracing their role of villains of the NHL.
Rangers could see Flyers go after another young RFA if Leo Carlsson offer sheet fails
The Athletic's Aaron Portzline, who covers the Columbus Blue Jackets, noted that "it's been surmised" that the Flyers could put in an offer sheet to restricted free agent and center Adam Fantilli. Portzline mentions that Flyers general manager Danny Briere's son, Cam, works as a video coach for the Blue Jackets.
It's been surmised if #LetsGoFlyers whiff on #FlyTogether Carlsson's offer sheet, they could turn sights on another 21YO RFA center, #CBJ Adam Fantilli.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) July 6, 2026
Talk about awkward.
Cam Briere, son of Flyers GM Danny Briere, is on CBJ staff as video coach, works closely w Rick Bowness.
Look, every hockey fan knew that the free agent market was going to be weak dating back to the start of last season. The only way for teams to land a legitimate star or difference maker was to explore the trade market. The Flyers, however, are going the offer sheet route. And thus, they are making enemies in the NHL. They have the assets where they can make a move like giving up first round picks for a Carlsson or Fantilli.
The Rangers, not looking to rebuild, were exploring top players this offseason, but to no avail. They put in offers for Dylan Larkin, who is still on the block after requesting a trade off of the Detroit Red Wings, and Brady Tkachuk, who was dealt from the Ottawa Senators to the Florida Panthers. Both stars did not have the Rangers on their list of desired destinations, showing they still have a ways to go before becoming a landing spot for the stars again.
Despite swinging and missing, the Rangers were able to pull off the blockbuster trade for Dorofeyev, who they hope can be a legitimate scoring threat in their top six, while bolstering their defense with the acquisitions of the Durzi and Pettersson. As mentioned, they have a better team on paper, but they will need to prove that is the case with strong play next season. If they are to do so, they can become that premium destination again.
They will need to keep their eyes peeled on the Flyers, who have shown so far this offseason they will go for a difference making player by any means necessary.
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