Duck off the pond | Sports Daily Newsletter

The Flyers shocked the hockey world last week when they tendered a historic offer sheet to Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson. Front-loaded with a hefty signing bonus, it carried an average annual value of $18 million, the biggest in the NHL.

It, in Mike Sielski’s words, represented a sharp, strong machete, capable of cutting through thick jungle vines in pursuit of treasure — in this case, a first Stanley Cup since 1974-75.

But on Thursday, the Ducks announced that they had matched the offer sheet, making the 21-year-old Carlsson the highest-paid player in the NHL.

We won’t be getting Carlsson as a Flyer, but we will be getting Bryce Harper in the Home Run Derby. So at least there’ll be some fireworks.

So now, Danny Brière’s search for treasure — and a top-line center — just got a bit longer.

— Maria McIlwain, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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❓If you could pick any player, past or present, to immediately join the Flyers, who would it be and why? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

At first, Jimmy Amplo thought his coach was joking.

The rising senior at the Shipley School in Norristown will be one of eight high schoolers nationwide who will compete in the MLB All-Star High School Home Run Derby.

The event has featured future stars like Bobby Witt Jr., Jordan Walker, Riley Greene and Phillies prospect Aidan Miller.

Now Amplo, who earned his spot after hitting a ball 106.9 mph in June, will take his turn in the batter’s box at Citizens Bank Park.

As Citizens Bank Park becomes a temporary home for some of the league’s top players, the Pennsylvania Convention Center will welcome fans to MLB’s All-Star Village, beginning on Saturday. Here’s everything you need to know before your visit to four-day baseball experience.

Next: The All-Star festivities start today with the HBCU Swingman Classic at Citizens Bank Park (7 p.m., MLB Network). Matt Breen rounds up everything you need to know about the baseball spectacle descending upon Philly.

Jesús Luzardo made his final start on Thursday before his first All-Star Game appearance next week, and he turned in a performance worthy of the honor. Luzardo pitched seven scoreless innings in the Phillies’ shutout win over the Reds.

Before the game, the Phillies’ bullpen had a few more shuffles, with Tanner Banks going on the injured list with a left forearm strain and Chase Shugart being recalled.

Next: The Phillies head north to face Detroit in their final series before the break. Aaron Nola (3-6, 5.87 ERA) is scheduled to start tonight’s series opener (6:40 p.m., NBCSP) against Tigers right-hander Jack Flaherty (2-8, 4.60).

🏀 Learning: That Penn State and Pitt will renew their rivalry as part of the Palestra’s 100th birthday celebration.

📚 Reading: The Havertown native whose Philly basketball roots helped him land an assistant coaching job for Syracuse basketball.

🦅 Watching: To see which newcomers crack the 53-man roster. We’ll meet Cole Wisniewski and Elijah Mitchell in today’s installment of our series.

Labaron Philon Jr., whom the 76ers took 22nd overall last month in the NBA draft’s first round, compiled 18 points and seven assists in a 101-93 victory over the Detroit Pistons Thursday afternoon at Cox Pavillon. Afterward, summer league coach T.J. DiLeo called the Sixers rookie “a gamer.”

What are the current chances of LeBron James joining the Sixers? Check out this Bron-O-Meter as we calculate the likelihood of James bringing his talents to South Street.

Next: After a day off, summer league action at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas continues Saturday vs. the Indiana Pacers (5:30 p.m., Prime Video).

Though the World Cup continues into next week, Thursday presented a glimpse of what the Union might look like when its MLS season resumes on July 22 with interim manager Ryan Richter at the helm.

The team held a friendly against the New England Revolution, which was interrupted by two weather delays because of lightning and thunder. The Inquirer’s Owen Hewitt was there and offers three takeaways from the exhibition match.

The World Cup may have left Philly and the U.S. may have bowed out of the tournament, but the party’s still going with four free concerts at the FIFA Fan Fest at Lemon Hill.

Next: The Union are back in action on July 22 against the New York Red Bulls at Subaru Park (7:30 p.m., Apple TV).

Each Friday, Inquirer photo editors will pick our best shots from the last seven days and share them with you, our readers. This week, photos include a World Cup heartbreak, preparations underway for the MLB All-Star Game, and gravity-defying skills.

We asked: Even if LeBron James signs elsewhere, do you think the Sixers have done enough to finally make it past the second round of the playoffs?

The Sixers have a much better bench than I’ve seen in awhile. Maxey and Edgecombe lead a better starting five last season, and it should be better this season even without LeBron. But it’s just not ready to challenge the Knicks and Celtics without him. And I’m not even factoring in Embiid because he would have to duplicate his MVP year to make the whole thing work. — Mike R.

With the addition of Jaylen Brown and the maturing of VJ Edgecombe and other young players I think they will finally take down the Knicks this coming season. You used the term biblical proportion in your intro this morning, but remember when Moses came he had the biblical name where Lebron does not. And consider that LeBron is 41 years old and has not won a championship since 2020. — Everett S.

My heart says yes, the Sixers have enough to compete, but my gut says no, given Joel Embiid’s inability to stay on the court. Both Maxey and VJ logged too many minutes last season filling Embiid’s absence. LeBron would provide leadership and take some pressure off of the core. What is the alternative — Ben Simmons as a facilitator? — Bob C.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Jackie Spiegel, Gabriela Carroll, Mike Sielski, Ariel Simpson, Becca O’Reilly, Lochlahn March, Conor Smith, Lauren Jones, Jeff Neiburg, Gina Mizell, Sam Morris, Matt Mullin, Owen Hewitt, Kerith Gabriel, and The Inquirer’s photography staff.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

That’s it for this week! Thank you for reading along, and Isabella will be back in your inboxes on Monday morning. Have a great weekend! — Maria