Ducks vs Flyers Player Props: Philly's Defense Gives Carlsson an Opening
Updated October 20, 2026
Updated October 20, 2026
The Anaheim Ducks visit the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday, October 24, and I'm particularly interested in whether Leo Carlsson can rediscover his offensive touch.
There's also some unfinished business between Carlsson and Philadelphia.
Remember this summer's contract drama? The Flyers submitted a five-year, $90 million offer sheet for the Swedish center in July, putting Anaheim in an uncomfortable position after months of contract negotiations. The Ducks ultimately matched the offer, but it came with an enormous $18 million annual cap hit, making Carlsson the NHL's highest-paid player at the time.
Now he gets to face the organization that tried to lure him away. I doubt he needs any extra motivation.
Carlsson has been one of Anaheim's most productive players this season, recording nine points through eight games. However, he's also coming off consecutive scoreless performances against Boston and the Rangers.
Philadelphia might be a decent opponent to get things moving again. The Flyers endured a nine-game winless start before finally beating Ottawa and Colorado, and their defensive numbers remain concerning.
There's also an interesting storyline involving former Ducks forward Trevor Zegras, who recorded three assists in Philadelphia's victory against Colorado on Monday. But rather than focusing on Zegras against his old teammates, I prefer Carlsson to get on the scoresheet.
Carlsson recorded 29 goals and 38 assists in 70 games last season, establishing himself as one of Anaheim's most important offensive players. His production has continued into 2026-27, even if his recent performances haven't been particularly impressive.
He's recorded at least one point in five of his eight appearances, including a three-assist performance against Florida and two assists against Edmonton.
What's particularly interesting is where those points are coming from.
Seven of Carlsson's nine points have been produced on the power play. That certainly highlights his importance with the man advantage, although it's also a reason to be cautious about expecting his current scoring pace to continue.
Philadelphia's defensive numbers provide some encouragement. The Flyers allowed approximately 33 shots per game through their first ten appearances and have been dealing with injuries to several regulars, including defensemen Cam York and Rasmus Ristolainen.
However, the situation isn't entirely favorable.
Carlsson has managed just nine shots in eight games, which is surprisingly low considering he recorded 193 last season. Anaheim has also been experimenting with its forward combinations, and the absence of Troy Terry has left Carlsson without one of the team's established offensive contributors.
That's why I'm reluctant to target him for multiple shots or an individual goal.
One point feels more achievable.
My preferred position is Leo Carlsson to record at least one point, assuming the contract becomes available.
I'd estimate his probability at approximately 59–62%, making an entry price of 54¢ or lower worth considering.
Philadelphia's defensive struggles certainly help, but I'm not ignoring the Flyers' recent improvement. They limited Colorado to just two goals on Monday, despite facing a team featuring Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar.
There's also the early start. Saturday's game begins at 1 p.m. ET, which isn't necessarily ideal for a West Coast team completing an Eastern road trip.
Nevertheless, Carlsson's offensive responsibilities and Philadelphia's overall defensive record provide a reasonable argument for another point-producing performance.
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