News Article: Auston Matthews - August 1st., Contract Crickets

[Sypher04]

And therein lies the problem with the Toronto Maple Leafs

Ok? that’s not some scathing indictment like you seem to think it is. Individual accomplishments literally dictate player salaries league wide. There is precisely nothing unique about that statement to the Leafs

 

[ToDavid]

These points are all debatable at best.

2. Lot of media speculation he wants short term, but no one with actual knowledge of his camps asks

3. Matthews was full value for his previous deal.

4. There’s no reason to think Matthews, more than any other player, needs to get every little contract detail his way.

Yah people seem to forget that Matthews signed months before he even became a free agent. You could argue back and forther about whether the team should have squeezed him more, but his contract was hardly unreasonable. Regardless, by all reports, the negotiation was not contentious and got done pretty quickly.

I think the constant media handwringing for the last seven years about whether or not he's going to bolt to Arizona has melted people's brains. There's no reason to believe this contract negotiation is not going to be very ordinary.

 

[hockeywiz542]

Five questions for the Maple Leafs to answer at the NHL Draft

From potential trades to contracts to coaching decisions, the Maple Leafs have a lot to do in Nashville this week.

theathletic.com

Are the Leafs any closer to an Auston Matthews extension?

The first question Treliving took from the media when he was unveiled as the new Leafs GM on June 1 was about the future of one of the best players in franchise history, and one entering the final year of his contract, Auston Matthews.

“I’m glad we waited so long to get to that topic,” Treliving said in jest.

You can be sure that after a reported meeting between Treliving and Matthews in Arizona this month, Treliving won’t have to wait long in Nashville to face even more questions about his star centre’s future.

Namely: Is Treliving any closer to finalizing a possible extension for Matthews?

Secondary questions include: Does Treliving have a timeline in place for the next steps? Would he be comfortable letting extension talks go into the season?

Treliving called re-signing Matthews his No. 1 priority. This comes in light of Johnny Gaudreau, the Flames star under Treliving, leaving the club for the Blue Jackets as a UFA.

Matthews’ no movement clause kicks in July 1. Re-signing him would be a massive signal of intent for Treliving and would silence even more questions that could linger throughout the summer, training camp, and, well, even into the season.

 

[Boxscore]

On one hand, these guys are in the entertainment business and Matthews is one of the top 5 stars in the league.

Interesting point, re: Entertainment Business, but there is a balance here. The Leafs are entertaining during the regular season because our core is skilled and soft, which plays well until playoffs.

As for Top-5 stars in the league, I think that is being very generous and homerish with Matthews tbh. Edmonton has the top 2 and the Avalanche have the next 2. And quite frankly, I can't say Matthews is better than Kucherov or Tkachuk. And, in terms of legit star power, I still think the average fans will pay to watch Crosby and Ovechkin today over Matthews.

But, whatever, Matthews is one of the 10 best players in the world, there's no disputing that. But he 100% needs to perform better in the playoffs and shouldn't be the highest paid in the NHL. I stand by that.

 

[Mess]

These points are all debatable at best.

3. Matthews was full value for his previous deal.

Matthews has among the worst contracts in the NHL at present because his rate should have been based on 8 years term not 5,

The first 4 years of Matthews 5 year deal were RFA (restricted free agent) cost controllable years with the Leafs only buying 1 single year of free agency from Auston.

RFA years are set based on NHL player comparables (with limited player options) and Matthews himself offered Leafs RFA years @ $9 mil AAV per (which was unheard of on any previous deal) Name another RFA player signed to a 3 year bridge @ $9 mil in NHL history?

According to Friedman, the Leafs wanted to sign Matthews to a three-year bridge deal that would’ve taken him one year away from unrestricted free agency. However, Matthews’ camp was seeking a $9M annual hit, which the Leafs weren’t interested in doing.

Auston offered 3 years @ $9 mil RFA bridge deal, and Dubas turned it down to get 5 years instead. (Deal couldn't be 4 years as that would have walked AM right to free agency this year).

So instead of a rate of $9 mil for the first X 4 RFA years, Dubas thought it be better to give him $11.634 mil AAV X 4 RFA instead average as that is the current average Leafs Cap hit to purchase 1 single year of free agency, That $11.6 mil should have been the average of 8 years term with 4 RFA years @ $9 mil and 4 X UFA years @ ~$14 mil = $93 mil total for 8 years [$11.6 mil AAV].

A 3 year bridge deal at $9 mil OR a 8 year deal at $11.6 mil would have been full value. A 5 year deal is awful value for the Leafs as Matthews should still have 4 years remaining on his current deal at $11.6 rate.

Matthews signed a 5 year deal at $58 mil total with the 4 X RFA years valued at $9 mil (as per Matthews) .. Solve for year 5 (1 X UFA rate)?

 

[Martin Skoula]

No doubt he was clutch this year, but up to that point he was Meh at best.

One good playoff year will change the narrative on any Leaf if they ever do it.

Part of it was that Tkachuk could have a quiet night and Verhaeghe and Bob were there to score or save a clutch goal. It’s easy to remember only the clutch plays you made when your non clutch games are still wins.

 

[pcruz]

Ok? that’s not some scathing indictment like you seem to think it is. Individual accomplishments literally dictate player salaries league wide. There is precisely nothing unique about that statement to the Leafs

These people might be under the impression that salaries are tied to the success of the business instead of being tied to the individual attributes (qualifications, education, experience, and individual metrics)....

Obviously, all CEOs of companies that fail or go into bankruptcy end up with $0 salaries towards the end....

 

[ACC1224]

Matthews has among the worst contracts in the NHL at present because his rate should have been based on 8 years term not 5,

The first 4 years of Matthews 5 year deal were RFA cost controllable years with the Leafs only buying 1 single year of free agency from Auston.

RFA years are set based on player comparables and Matthews himself offered Leafs RFA years @ $9 mil AAV per (which was unheard of on any previous deal) Name another RFA player signed to a 3 year bridge @ $9 mil in NHL history?

According to Friedman, the Leafs wanted to sign Matthews to a three-year bridge deal that would’ve taken him one year away from unrestricted free agency. However, Matthews’ camp was seeking a $9M annual hit, which the Leafs weren’t interested in doing.

View attachment 721354

Auston offered 3 years @ $9 mil RFA bridge deal, and Dubas turned it down to get 5 years instead. (Deal couldn't be 4 years as that would have walked AM right to free agency this year).

So instead of a rate of $9 mil for the first X 4 RFA years, Dubas thought it be better to give him $11.634 mil AAV X 4 RFA instead average as that is the current average Leafs Cap hit to purchase 1 single year of free agency, That $11.6 mil should have been the average of 8 years term with 4 RFA years @ $9 mil and 4 X UFA years @ ~$14 mil = $93 mil total for 8 years [$11.6 mil AAV].

A 3 year bridge deal at $9 mil OR a 8 year deal at $11.6 mil would have been full value. A 5 year deal is awful value for the Leafs.

Matthews signed a 5 year deal at $58 mil total with the 4 X RFA years valued at $9 mil (as per Matthews) .. Solve for year 5 (1 X UFA rate)?

Pretty remarkable how badly he butchered these contracts.

 

[pcruz]

Part of it was that Tkachuk could have a quiet night and Verhaeghe and Bob were there to score or save a clutch goal. It’s easy to remember only the clutch plays you made when your non clutch games are still wins.

Is this suggesting that Matthews and Marner are responsible and to blame for the rest of the team not rising to the occasion here and there?


The evolution of blame in this market is something else!


He'll, we have accusations of Matthews having one of the worst contracts in the league.

Good lord

 

[Sypher04]

Matthews has among the worst contracts in the NHL at present because his rate should have been based on 8 years term not 5,

The first 4 years of Matthews 5 year deal were RFA cost controllable years with the Leafs only buying 1 single year of free agency from Auston.

RFA years are set based on player comparables and Matthews himself offered Leafs RFA years @ $9 mil AAV per (which was unheard of on any previous deal) Name another RFA player signed to a 3 year bridge @ $9 mil in NHL history?

According to Friedman, the Leafs wanted to sign Matthews to a three-year bridge deal that would’ve taken him one year away from unrestricted free agency. However, Matthews’ camp was seeking a $9M annual hit, which the Leafs weren’t interested in doing.

View attachment 721354

Auston offered 3 years @ $9 mil RFA bridge deal, and Dubas turned it down to get 5 years instead. (Deal couldn't be 4 years as that would have walked AM right to free agency this year).

So instead of a rate of $9 mil for the first X 4 RFA years, Dubas thought it be better to give him $11.634 mil AAV X 4 RFA instead average as that is the current average Leafs Cap hit to purchase 1 single year of free agency, That $11.6 mil should have been the average of 8 years term with 4 RFA years @ $9 mil and 4 X UFA years @ ~$14 mil = $93 mil total for 8 years [$11.6 mil AAV].

A 3 year bridge deal at $9 mil OR a 8 year deal at $11.6 mil would have been full value. A 5 year deal is awful value for the Leafs.

Matthews signed a 5 year deal at $58 mil total with the 4 X RFA years valued at $9 mil (as per Matthews) .. Solve for year 5 (1 X UFA rate)?

You’re arguing he was overpaid at the moment he signed. Which is fine, you’re certainly welcome to do so. I don’t even necessarily disagree. But everything at that point is purely projection. I’m saying Matthews ultimately proved out to be full value vs his AAV.

 

[Boxscore]

Matthews has among the worst contracts in the NHL at present because his rate should have been based on 8 years term not 5,

The first 4 years of Matthews 5 year deal were RFA cost controllable years with the Leafs only buying 1 single year of free agency from Auston.

RFA years are set based on player comparables and Matthews himself offered Leafs RFA years @ $9 mil AAV per (which was unheard of on any previous deal) Name another RFA player signed to a 3 year bridge @ $9 mil in NHL history?

According to Friedman, the Leafs wanted to sign Matthews to a three-year bridge deal that would’ve taken him one year away from unrestricted free agency. However, Matthews’ camp was seeking a $9M annual hit, which the Leafs weren’t interested in doing.

View attachment 721354

Auston offered 3 years @ $9 mil RFA bridge deal, and Dubas turned it down to get 5 years instead. (Deal couldn't be 4 years as that would have walked AM right to free agency this year).

So instead of a rate of $9 mil for the first X 4 RFA years, Dubas thought it be better to give him $11.634 mil AAV X 4 RFA instead average as that is the current average Leafs Cap hit to purchase 1 single year of free agency, That $11.6 mil should have been the average of 8 years term with 4 RFA years @ $9 mil and 4 X UFA years @ ~$14 mil = $93 mil total for 8 years [$11.6 mil AAV].

A 3 year bridge deal at $9 mil OR a 8 year deal at $11.6 mil would have been full value. A 5 year deal is awful value for the Leafs.

Matthews signed a 5 year deal at $58 mil total with the 4 X RFA years valued at $9 mil (as per Matthews) .. Solve for year 5 (1 X UFA rate)?

I agree with you. When it comes to contracts, Matthews has proved to be a royal pita. Unlike other stars who are willing to commit long-term to their clubs, there just seems to always be drama around him and his deals. And he was overpaid before for sure, and if the Leafs give him 13 mil or worse, he'll be grossly overpaid. The cap has been stagnant and there's no way on earth Matthews should be paid more than McDavid and MacKinnon.

 

[Tufted Titmouse]

Freidge thinks 13m is the number. He's going to get more than Mackinnon lol.

I hope it's at least 5years.

 

[Martin Skoula]

Is this suggesting that Matthews and Marner are responsible and to blame for the rest of the team not rising to the occasion here and there?


The evolution of blame in this market is something else!


He'll, we have accusations of Matthews having one of the worst contracts in the league.

Good lord

What? I’m saying this market hyper focuses on those two not being elite every game because other than Nylander no one else steps up. Tkachuk had many quiet games in the playoffs but it doesn’t get fixated on because Florida won most of those quiet games off someone else’s contributions.

The clutch reputation comes easiest when your mistakes and non-clutch games are easy to forget because your team won.

 

[Sypher04]

Freidge thinks 13m is the number. He's going to get more than Mackinnon lol.

I hope it's at least 5years.

I have no particular qualms with 13. Him getting a tad more than Mac is hardly lol worthy

5-6 years would be perfect. But I certainly wont be upset if we manage to get the full 8

 

[PROUD PAPA]

Freidge thinks 13m is the number. He's going to get more than Mackinnon lol.

I hope it's at least 5years.

5 years would be fine. That takes him to the 29/30 season when he would be 32. I'm concerned about his health holding up to be honest. If you're at the top of the pay scale you also need to be at the top of your game. If he signed max term, okay, but if he wants to shave a couple years off the term, i'd be very okay with that.

 

[Boxscore]

Freidge thinks 13m is the number. He's going to get more than Mackinnon lol.

I hope it's at least 5years.

MacKinnon just wins a Cup and signs for 12.6 x 8 and we are okay with giving Matthews 13 x 5 after another playoff disappointment and down year, lmao.

 

[Sypher04]

MacKinnon just wins a Cup and signs for 12.6 x 8 and we are okay with giving Matthews 13 x 5 after another playoff disappointment and down year, lmao.

All MacKinnon winning the cup offers to this discussion is that we know the Avs a year ago were better than the Leafs.

not exactly a huge revelation.

 

[NMacrules]

Dubas didn't do shit for the leafs. Its going to be fun to see him screw over the penguins. Penguins, say good bye to your next 5 years of picks. Dubas snowballed everyone into thinking he knew what he was doing.

Now Leafs are in a big time pickle with Matthews and Nylander. Thanks Dubas, you piece of garbage.

 

[Zero1]

Let me guess $13.34 mill x 4-5 years with a full NMC then he’ll want the full 8-years at 31/32 years old.

 

[PROUD PAPA]

Let me guess $13.34 mill x 4-5 years with a full NMC then he’ll want the full 8-years at 31/32 years old.

He might want it but good luck getting it.

 

[MCR74]

Dubas didn't do shit for the leafs. Its going to be fun to see him screw over the penguins. Penguins, say good bye to your next 5 years of picks. Dubas snowballed everyone into thinking he knew what he was doing.

Now Leafs are in a big time pickle with Matthews and Nylander. Thanks Dubas, you piece of garbage.

I don't know if I'm comfortable with $13M TBH.

 

[ToneDog]

MacKinnon just wins a Cup and signs for 12.6 x 8 and we are okay with giving Matthews 13 x 5 after another playoff disappointment and down year, lmao.

I hear playoffs do not factor into salaries. Somebody should tell that to MaCrimmon who is about to pay their #5G, 2x$4.9m. Based on that and Sammy having a much better season, Sammy gonna ask for $7m?? LOL.

 

[Niagara Bill]

Ok? that’s not some scathing indictment like you seem to think it is. Individual accomplishments literally dictate player salaries league wide. There is precisely nothing unique about that statement to the Leafs

Your type of thought has led to 56 yrs of futility. Giving in to such literal thought of some type of league wide status has cost us through the Dubas era. MM is not a 10.5 player. But points wise he looks like it.
Great organizations don't cave to that thought and are prepared to follow their agenda not some artificial rule that you says exists. If MM of AM only subscribe to the artificial rule, time to move on. If those 2 continue to be overpaid, 56 will become 64.

I hear playoffs do not factor into salaries. Somebody should tell that to MaCrimmon who is about to pay their #5G, 2x$4.9m. Based on that and Sammy having a much better season, Sammy gonna ask for $7m?? LOL.

Sypher 04 says they have to pay Sammy that much, some mystic artificial league rule that exists.

 

[AvroArrow]

Matthews has among the worst contracts in the NHL at present because his rate should have been based on 8 years term not 5,

The first 4 years of Matthews 5 year deal were RFA (restricted free agent) cost controllable years with the Leafs only buying 1 single year of free agency from Auston.

RFA years are set based on NHL player comparables (with limited player options) and Matthews himself offered Leafs RFA years @ $9 mil AAV per (which was unheard of on any previous deal) Name another RFA player signed to a 3 year bridge @ $9 mil in NHL history?

According to Friedman, the Leafs wanted to sign Matthews to a three-year bridge deal that would’ve taken him one year away from unrestricted free agency. However, Matthews’ camp was seeking a $9M annual hit, which the Leafs weren’t interested in doing.

View attachment 721354

Auston offered 3 years @ $9 mil RFA bridge deal, and Dubas turned it down to get 5 years instead. (Deal couldn't be 4 years as that would have walked AM right to free agency this year).

So instead of a rate of $9 mil for the first X 4 RFA years, Dubas thought it be better to give him $11.634 mil AAV X 4 RFA instead average as that is the current average Leafs Cap hit to purchase 1 single year of free agency, That $11.6 mil should have been the average of 8 years term with 4 RFA years @ $9 mil and 4 X UFA years @ ~$14 mil = $93 mil total for 8 years [$11.6 mil AAV].

A 3 year bridge deal at $9 mil OR a 8 year deal at $11.6 mil would have been full value. A 5 year deal is awful value for the Leafs as Matthews should still have 4 years remaining on his current deal at $11.6 rate.

Matthews signed a 5 year deal at $58 mil total with the 4 X RFA years valued at $9 mil (as per Matthews) .. Solve for year 5 (1 X UFA rate)?

Dubas is an even bigger idiot than we thought, my goodness. 8x9M for Matthews and this guy said no

 

[ToneDog]

Dubas is an even bigger idiot than we thought, my goodness. 8x9M for Matthews and this guy said no

I don't think that is what Mess said. 11.640 should have been for 8 years. Dubas clearly outsmarted himself after turning down 3x$9m bridge proposed by Matthews' camp.