The rumour mill is churning faster than ever. Now that more teams have entered offseason mode, things are beginning to ramp up. One team in the spotlight now is the Toronto Maple Leafs. Many questions surround them after their second round exit. But one that is the highest is an Auston Matthews Contract.
Auston Matthews Wants To Stay
Rumour: Chris Johnston reports that Auston Matthews wants to remain in Toronto
Auston Matthews: "My intention is to be here."
Adds he'd like the extension done before next season.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) May 15, 2023
Just like a year ago when Nathan MacKinnon signed an extension to remain with the Colorado Avalanche, another star is following suit. An Auston Matthews contract extension is on the horizon. In fact, his desire to want to remain in Toronto is strong. Matthews went on to say, “My intention is to be (in Toronto),” Matthews said Monday during the team’s end-of-season availability”. This should bring joy to Leafs nation as their super star centre is not wanting to go anywhere. But what does that contract look like?
Projected Contract
As mentioned above, MacKinnon stayed with the Avalanche. His eight year deal gives him an AAV of $12.9 million per season. Matthews will enter his final season on his current deal ($11.9 million AAV). He will be looking for a higher pay day. It remains to be seen how high that price will rise up. However, the sense of urgency to getting it done is comforting and it will be done in due time. Matthews could very well surpass the MacKinnon deal and more.
Matthews has established himself as a premiere player in this league. Kyle Dubas did his job of keeping the band together. The core will remain intact with Matthews, Nylander, Marner and Tavares. Another player that wants to return is depth forward Noel Acciari. He came over from the St Louis Blues at the trade deadline.
Does Noel Acciari want to re-sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs?
“I’d love to.”
— luke fox (@lukefoxjukebox) May 15, 2023
Main Photo: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
