What a Matthews Extension with the Maple Leafs Could Look Like
We are just about six weeks away from Auston Matthews entering the last year of his contract and becoming eligible to sign a contract extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Leafs Nation has been waiting for July 1, 2023, to find out what the future has in store for the team. We still have a little bit of time to wait, but during that period, Kyle Dubas, the general manager (GM), and Sheldon Keefe, the head coach, will also have their futures clarified. If by chance Dubas doesn’t return as the team’s GM, it could impact the chances of Matthews re-signing. There is a sense, based on his post-season press conference, that he feels comfortable with the current front office.
The Maple Leafs held the media availability on May 15, 2023, and a small nudge in Matthews’s direction was given to us, when Matthews said, “my intention is to be here.” He added that he would like to sign an extension before next season. That is exactly what Leafs Nation hoped to hear less than 72 hours after the team was bounced from the 2023 NHL Playoffs.
Matthews’ Current Contract
If Matthews’ current contract is any indication, his next deal will last at least another five seasons. When the two parties reached an agreement after his entry-level contract (ELC) expired, the contract total was $58.19 million over five years. This deal carried an average annual value (AAV) of $11.64 million, which was a significant raise from the $925,000 over three years he was paid on his ELC.
Related: 4 Maple Leafs’ Free Agents They Should Look to Re-Sign
This deal was very heavily scrutinized because it seemed like Dubas gave Matthews everything he wanted without any pushback. Fans of the NHL, as well as the team, were saying that the big deal was given too early, with nothing to show for it. However, Dubas gave his star player a deal based on his potential, which was to become a 60-goal scorer.
Now, it hasn’t always been sunshine and rainbows for Matthews and the Maple Leafs. In his seven years with the team, they have struggled with one playoff series win. That could be a negotiating point for Maple Leafs management, even if it doesn’t affect his AAV too much. Given his lack of postseason success, some could argue that it should have an impact on his asking price, but the Maple Leafs will pay since they view him as “the guy.”
Matthews’ Extension
Some expect Matthews will want to be the highest-paid player in the league, which means an AAV of at least $12.7 million. By comparison, Nathan MacKinnon will earn $12.6 million over eight seasons with the Colorado Avalanche, and Connor McDavid is at $12.5 million over eight seasons. However, Matthews may prefer another five-year deal so he can become an unrestricted free agent again by 2030.
With that in mind, Matthews’ next contract could be worth $63.500 million – $12.7 million per season, including a full no-movement clause (NMC).
Read more
SILVER TARNISH…. WHAT IT IS, WHERE IT COMES FROM, AND IS IT NORMAL?
If you have ever noticed that your silver jewelry turns black over time you have experienced silver tarnish. Not to worry! All silver jewelry tarnishes over time. It is a completely natural phe...
Read more
