Toronto Maple Leafs: When will Auston Matthews sign his extension?
By Paul Taylor
Auston Matthews is now eligible for a contract extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs, but at least one report claims he may prefer to wait until next summer.
As we reported last week, Auston Matthews changed representation, following his agent from CAA to the Orr-Wasserman group. Understandably, this left many fans wondering what this would mean for the Toronto Maple Leafs?
The overriding opinion is that Matthews’ agent, Judd Moldaver, will now feel empowered to get his contract situation resolved as soon as possible. The two-time NHL All-Star will be eligible for an extension as of July 1.
However, it’s possible Moldaver and Matthews will wait until next summer. At least according to TSN’s Bob McKenzie.
Speaking on Leafs Lunch earlier this week, McKenzie believes Matthews would prefer to hold off on signing a contract extension at this stage. He will be eligible for restricted free agency next year.
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With this in mind, the 2016 first overall draft pick may decide to gamble on himself, to be in position for a better payday. And certainly, there is every reason for him to be confident, given his production during the first two seasons of his NHL career.
Matthews had a sensational rookie season, scoring 69 points and winning the Calder Memorial Trophy. And he followed this up with arguably an ever better sophomore campaign, to show he has what it takes to lead the Leafs for the next decade.
In addition, McKenzie speculates the San Ramon, California native may decide against signing a max-term deal. As noted by Brian La Rose of Pro Hockey Rumors, this would result in a lower cap hit on his next deal, offering him the opportunity to hit the open market during the prime of his career.
This would be an interesting move, given the route Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel decided to take. Both players signed long-term deals with their current teams last summer.
The flip side of the 20-year-old holding off on signing a contract extension this summer, is his health. While he was an ever-present during his rookie campaign, he missed 20 games this past season; any substantial injury would compromise his current position of strength.
From the Leafs’ perspective, they would prefer to get Matthews signed sooner than later. In fact, new general manager Kyle Dubas has already reached out to Moldaver, in an attempt to start negotiations.
Overall, there are plenty of arguments to be made for the centre signing a contract extension this summer or next. Similarly, for and against agreeing a max-term deal.
In our humble opinion, Matthews should sign his contract extension this year. Apart from giving himself some financial security now, it will also help the Leafs decide what to do with the likes of William Nylander and Mitch Marner.
It will be interesting to see how this storyline plays out in the coming weeks. However, regardless of the outcome, it stands to reason Matthews will emerge in a favorable position as he continues his quest to become one of the game’s greats.
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What’s your take on recent developments regarding Matthews? Do you predict he will sign a contact extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs this summer, or wait until next year? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.