Ducks and Sabres make key signings

The Anaheim Ducks matched the Philadelphia Flyers' record-setting offer sheet for center Leo Carlsson, keeping the 21-year-old in Anaheim on a five-year, $90 million contract, making him the NHL's highest-paid player.

Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek expressed surprise at the size of the offer, noting that Carlsson, the No. 2 pick in the 2023 NHL draft, had just completed an entry-level contract. Carlsson scored 29 goals and 67 points last season, contributing significantly to the Ducks' playoff run.

Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabres signed forward Peyton Krebs to a four-year, $18 million contract, avoiding arbitration. Krebs, who set career highs with 12 goals and 27 assists last season, was part of the team that broke a long playoff drought.

Additionally, the Sabres made changes in their executive team, hiring veteran NHL executive John Davidson as a senior advisor, marking a significant shift in their organizational strategy. Davidson's hiring comes as the Sabres aim to build on their recent success after reaching the Eastern Conference semifinals last season.

Both the Ducks and Sabres are actively making moves to enhance their rosters ahead of the upcoming NHL season.