Matthews’ Contract Extension Ought To Make Leafs Fans Overjoyed

There was some degree of concern from hockey fans about the future of Toronto Maple Leafs superstar Auston Matthews, whose current contract was scheduled to end at the conclusion of the 2023-24 season. However, this writer did not worry about Matthews’ time with Toronto was coming to an end. And now, after the Leafs re-signed Matthews to a four-year, $53-milion contract extension on Wednesday, those fears have been laid to rest.

Really, Matthews’ extension should surprise nobody. The vast majority of NHL players stay loyal to the team that drafted them, and the Leafs, under team president Brendan Shanahan, have gone to great lengths to make Matthews’ ascent to the top of the hockey world a safe and happy journey. The Leafs could’ve pushed Matthews into the captain’s role, but instead, they gave it to John Tavares, who has done an excellent job in the position.

Meanwhile, Matthews has been shielded from media criticism, and the pressures of playing in a hockey hotbed like Toronto don’t seem to affect him. It’s hard to believe he has seven NHL seasons under his belt, but that’s what happens when you’re an 18-year-old who makes the jump to the sport’s top league. Matthews has been tremendous in his time as a Leaf, and he remains the best player this writer has ever seen wearing Blue and White.

Now, Matthews doesn’t have to worry about questions regarding his future. He has committed to be around for the next four seasons following the upcoming season, and that’s lots of time for him to lead this group of players to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs and beyond. He’s been a point-per-game player in the post-season the past two years, and that’s no easy achievement. Matthews needs his teammates to deliver come playoff time, but Leafs GM Brad Treliving has surrounded Matthews with top-tier talent.

Some fans and media are stuck on the fact that Matthews didn’t sign a maximum-term eight-season contract on Wednesday. However, that’s a business decision that allows Matthews to assure himself of another raise in his next contract. And there’s every chance that his next contract will be with Toronto. Sure, if the Buds fail to go far in the playoffs for the next five years, it’s possible Matthews will move on to a different team. But the reality is he’s a No. 1-overall draft pick who has signed up to play his first 12 seasons – and his prime seasons – with Toronto. Leafs fans ought to be happy with that.

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Toronto brass should be more concerned with the contract status of star wingers William Nylander and Mitch Marner; the former is entering the final season of his contract, while the latter has two years left on his deal. Just as Matthews agreed to an extension that pays him less than he would’ve received on the open market, both Nylander and Marner are under pressure to take up less salary cap space than they could get elsewhere. Matthews has led the way on the contractual front, and Marner and Nylander need to do the same.

All Matthews needs to now: (a) be fully healthy and (b) return to the form of 2021-22, when he generated 60 goals and 106 points in 73 games. If he can do that, the money he’s going to be paid will be well worth it for Toronto. Matthews has been terrific thus far for the Leafs, and his best years are still to come. His new contract means there’s no more angst for Buds fans, and he can go about his business knowing the business side of the game has been taken care of.

Leafs fans should be overjoyed he’s sticking around through 2028 and not worry about the seasons after that.