Toronto Maple Leafs begin contract negotiations with Auston Matthews

The Toronto Maple Leafs have reportedly started discussions about a contract extension with their young superstar, Auston Matthews.

John Tavares has understandably dominated the headlines ever since the Toronto Maple Leafs signed him to a seven-year, $77 million deal. However, now the Leafs’ other superstar centre is set to take over as the main storyline in Southern Ontario.

As reported by Sportsnet‘s Luke Fox, Auston Matthews has advised him that contract talks are underway with the Leafs. Matthews’ entry-level contract has just one more season to run, after which, he would become a restricted free agent.

While it is a good sign that negotiations have begun, the chances are it will be a drawn-out affair. In fact, as suggested last month by TSN‘s Bob McKenzie, Matthews might even wait until next summer to agree a deal.

McKenzie’s rationale is the two-time All-Star may prefer to bet on himself, to be in position for a better payday. Certainly you can understand his approach, if this is the case.

Matthews has been nothing short of sensational during his first two years in the NHL. He won the Calder Memorial Trophy as a rookie and was arguably even better last season, despite contending with injury issues.

However, we have to wonder how much more the 20-year-old could reasonably expect to be paid, if he did hold off until next summer? The thinking is he’s going to get a similar amount to Tavares, i.e. $11 million per season.

Another reason Matthews probably shouldn’t push too much for more money, is due to the other players on the team who need to paid. First up is William Nylander, who is already a restricted free agent.

More from Toronto Maple Leafs

• Maple Leafs Rumours: Half of NHL teams interested in Ilya Mikheyev
• Toronto Maple Leafs: How to address the goaltender position
• Leafs reward Timothy Liljegren with extension after breakout season
• Maple Leafs: Jack Campbell situation becoming increasingly uncertain
• Jason Spezza retires, joins Toronto Maple Leafs front office

In addition, Mitch Marner‘s and Kasperi Kapanen‘s entry-level contracts also expire next summer. As much as general manager Kyle Dubas is confident of keeping the group together, Matthews’ deal will be a deciding factor.

For what it’s worth, the 2016 first overall draft pick will be fully aware of this and you imagine success means as much to him as being paid well. Ultimately, he’s going to get significantly more compared to his current deal regardless, which has a cap hit of $925,000.

There is some speculation about how Matthews’ recent decision to change representation will impact negotiations. As we reported at the time, he followed his agent from CAA to the Orr-Wasserman group.

Will the San Ramon, California native now be more or less inclined to agree a max-term deal? Would he prefer to sign for fewer years, which would result in a lower cap hit on his next deal and offer the opportunity to hit the open market during the prime of his career?

Of course, there is no way of knowing at this stage what Matthews and his agent, Judd Moldaver, are thinking. As such, all Leafs fans can do is patiently/anxiously wait and see how events play out.

What’s your prediction on the contract situation surrounding Matthews? Will the Toronto Maple Leafs get his extension sorted out before the new season begins, during the campaign, or after it concludes? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.