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

[Gallagbi]

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McDavid owns 5 Art Ross Trophies as league scoring leader.

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McDavid has 3 Hart Memorial trophies and regular season MVP.

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McDavid has 4 Ted Lindsay Awards as outstanding player.

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MvDavid has lead the NHL in goal scoring 1 time.

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A greenhorn clueless uniformed Leafs GM gave Matthews a 5 year deal instead of 8 years, and now Matthews believes he is in a prime position to ask for +$1 mil AAV or $13.5 mil which is more than this player who is the best player in the World in Connor McDavid as his comparable.

How can anyone on the planet believe the Leafs need to pay Matthews more than McDavid, no matter how much he asks for, and it just amplifies how bad his current contract is, and how greedy he is ?

Whats the number and term our now seasoned GM gets him for? Pasta realm, the most recent 60 goal man?

 

[Mad hatter]

I’m a Leafs fan so for the betterment of the team I’d love to see him take a team friendly deal. That said when I’m working, I charge every cent I possibly can. I can’t fault anyone for wanting to make as much as possible because why wouldn’t you. I’d say that most people on these boards would want as big of raise or charge as much as they could. I understand that a cap isn’t in most of our working worlds so that’s a difference situation but if it was I’d want the max allowed, always. I don’t think players are greedy because they want to make as much as possible, I think it’s just human nature. There’s not too many players like Morgan Reilly and I know that I wouldn’t be.

 

[Notsince67]

The reality: Matthews has helped the Leafs win ONE playoff round in SEVEN years. He's been rewarded, cheered, praised, spoiled, and has never been publicly challenged or questioned by the media or fans... ever.

You: The fans, market, and city itself are toxic.

Can't make this up lol.

Using the word toxic to describe a chunk of the fanbase is more polite than the more appropriate "whiny bitch"

 

[TMLBlueandWhite]

What's the difference between Matthews agent and a doctor?

The doctor uses lube.

There's speculation Treliving might actually be the one playing hardball. That rather than sign Matthews to whatever he wants, Treliving isn't signing him at all. Risking alienating the superstar franchise centreman in the process.

A combination of stupidity and stubbornness.

Being stupid is one thing.
Being stubborn is another.
Being both is total arrogance.

I was hoping the "smartest guy in the room" attitude left with Dubas.

If Treliving was really smart he would just accept the fact that he's hooped. Give Matthews whatever he wants. I know it's not optimal.

But it might be inevitable.

Like waking up every morning. Not always the most enjoyable thing to do. Sure beats the alternative though.

Kinda feels the same as a prostate exam that way.

 

[Arzak]

You just have to look at the proper comparables.

There was a player coming off a career high 37 goal 73 point season, still an RFA, with a Calder trophy, who signed a multi-year contract for over $11.5M per season.

Matthews is a UFA with a 60 goal 108 point season, with a Calder, two Richards, a Hart, and a Lindsay.

Using the former as a comparable, and taking into account the higher Cap, Matty is obviously worth at least $20M per season.

$21M for Money Mitch, because he also PKing

 

[Niagara Bill]

I was quoting a poster who used toxicity, but I certainly can’t blame hockey players for asking for more money to live and play there. Especially guys with other options.

Do you blame a team for saying NO.

 

[Racer88]

Using the word toxic to describe a chunk of the fanbase is more polite than the more appropriate "whiny bitch"

I’m not sure expecting more then 1 round win in 7 years with this high paid high skill core is either toxic or “whiny bitch”

 

[geo25]

What's the difference between Matthews agent and a doctor?

The doctor uses lube.

There's speculation Treliving might actually be the one playing hardball. That rather than sign Matthews to whatever he wants, Treliving isn't signing him at all. Risking alienating the superstar franchise centreman in the process.

A combination of stupidity and stubbornness.

Being stupid is one thing.
Being stubborn is another.
Being both is total arrogance.

I was hoping the "smartest guy in the room" attitude left with Dubas.

If Treliving was really smart he would just accept the fact that he's hooped. Give Matthews whatever he wants. I know it's not optimal.

But it might be inevitable.

Like waking up every morning. Not always the most enjoyable thing to do. Sure beats the alternative though.

Kinda feels the same as a prostate exam that way.

Matthew's negotiation will directly impact those of the other 2 Amigos. Good on him for having the no nonsense approach. The agent he's dealing with was also Gaudeau's who left Calgary empty handed....if he's not reasonsble let the Agent find a landing spot for him
This nonsense has to stop....

 

[Nineteen67]

I’m not sure expecting more then 1 round win in 7 years with this high paid high skill core is either toxic or “whiny bitch”

The only series they should have won was the Montreal series

Do you blame a team for saying NO.

I blame them for saying YES

 

[TMLBlueandWhite]

Matthew's negotiation will directly impact those of the other 2 Amigos. Good on him for having the no nonsense approach. The agent he's dealing with was also Gaudeau's who left Calgary empty handed....if he's not reasonsble let the Agent find a landing spot for him
This nonsense has to stop....

It's Nylander and Gaudreau that share the same agent, but your point remains valid.

Which is why I expect Nylander will be traded. That and the fact he's the only one of the core without a full NMC. I can only imagine the uproar if Nylander walks as a UFA.

It'll be ten times worse if it's Matthews instead.

 

[Arzak]

It's Nylander and Gaudreau that share the same agent, but your point remains valid.

Which is why I expect Nylander will be traded. That and the fact he's the only one of the core without a full NMC. I can only imagine the uproar if Nylander walks as a UFA.

It'll be ten times worse if it's Matthews instead.

It should be no surprise that the only tradeable guy is on his way.

It will be a ton of fun watching Nylander vs Leafs.

 

[Gary Nylund]

Using the word toxic to describe a chunk of the fanbase is more polite than the more appropriate "whiny bitch"

So not only do you not care if your heroes keep flaming out in the playoffs (even as huge favorites), you think people who do care are being toxic. And if anyone does care enough to dare offer up some criticism, you become a whiny bitch.

The loser mentality seems to be deeply ingrained in you. You've forgotten the most basic thing of all, that the goal in team sports is to win and so you're content to worship at the feet of perennial losers. Sad stuff.

 

[Mess]

what kind of offers do you think he'll get in free agency next summer if he makes it there?

I'm betting there will be plenty of teams lined up to pay him more than McDavid signed for 6 years ago

Matthews shouldn't be a free agent after next season if the Leafs had a competent GM and Auston was signed to 8 year term, based on his current AAV of $11.634 mil.

Because of Matthews current bad contract mistake the Leafs will be forced to double down on that mistake, and now pay Matthews at a higher AAV and CH% than McDavid or lose the player. When Auston was signed originally his deal was based primarily on RFA years (first 4 of his current contract) so teams use NHL comparable contracts when negotiating & signing of restricted free agents (RFA) to their 2nd contracts at team cost controllable contracts. The McDavid contract for a 2nd contract coming out of player entry level contracts ELC set the ceiling for all RFA players that were signing their 2nd deals. Notice how NO RFA signed contract has exceeded McDavid's $12.5 mil AAV from 6 years ago. That was my original point !!

Another poaching team is getting Matthews as an asset for free other than contract amount which is forcing Leafs hand into overpaying Auston because he got signed for only 5 years and not 8.

However there are no true player comparables for unrestricted free agents (UFAs), and the laws of market supply and demand set those prices independently based on what teams are willing to bid and offer against each other.. McDavid's current price from 6 years ago would have no relevancy in setting Matthews next contract should he become an unrestricted free agent.

That wasn't my point of original post, while our post would prove true ,its moving the goal posts from a RFA signed deal to now a UFA signed deal, it only amplifies how bad the current deal is for the Leafs because a full NMC clause and open market that gives Matthews full controll to extort as much money out of the Leafs as he can to his advantage, or force the Leafs hand and set him free and the only organization in the position to lose an asset, others can only gain from Leafs decision. You could have said MacKinnon new deal > McDavid but that again is a ALL UFA year deal and 3rd contract.

Only a cluessless Dubas got played by clever player agent and screwed the Leafs organization over to keep their own player, because of his incompetence when signing Matthews current deal.

 

[m1ker]

What are the odds his wrist gets better? How many games last year was he actually trying to shoot like 15?

 

[Gallagbi]

What are the odds his wrist gets better? How many games last year was he actually trying to shoot like 15?

Last time he returned from a wrist injury he scored 60 goals, so who knows

 

[keonsbitterness]

What's the difference between Matthews agent and a doctor?

The doctor uses lube.

You spend too much time at the doctor.

That wasn't my point of original post, while our post would prove true ,its moving the goal posts

That's a lot of posts.

post-it notes

 

[WTFMAN99]

Whats the number and term our now seasoned GM gets him for? Pasta realm, the most recent 60 goal man?

Centres typically earn a premium over wingers

I’m a Leafs fan so for the betterment of the team I’d love to see him take a team friendly deal. That said when I’m working, I charge every cent I possibly can. I can’t fault anyone for wanting to make as much as possible because why wouldn’t you. I’d say that most people on these boards would want as big of raise or charge as much as they could. I understand that a cap isn’t in most of our working worlds so that’s a difference situation but if it was I’d want the max allowed, always. I don’t think players are greedy because they want to make as much as possible, I think it’s just human nature. There’s not too many players like Morgan Reilly and I know that I wouldn’t be.

I definitely want to earn the most I can but I also try to be logical. If there is a bar and I know I am one of the best workers in a company but the best worker is making 12.5M (McDavid) and another one not so far behind is making 12.6M....and they've been more successful in their careers and signed for 8 years...

What can I ask for? 12.75M? 13M? Knowing my term will run 1 year longer than MacKinnon. I don't see anything beyond 13M x 8 as being reasonable, but that is for me personally.

 

[KPower]

Dubas walked him right to free agency on a no trade clause. What a buffoon.

 

[Gallagbi]

Centres typically earn a premium over wingers

Not sure that holds true for these level of talents, but whats your number for the new, experienced GM?

 

[WTFMAN99]

Not sure that holds true for these level of talents, but whats your number for the new, experienced GM?

If he wants 3 years, his current aav is a reasonable number.

I'd go 8 years at 12.75-13M per

5 years at 12.5M is also doable.

 

[KPower]

If he wants 3 years, his current aav is a reasonable number.

I'd go 8 years at 12.75-13M per

5 years at 12.5M is also doable.

Matty is in the driver seat…leafs have to bend over and take it.

3 years at 13.5 is the most likely outcome unless he wants out.

 

[notbias]

If he wants 3 years, his current aav is a reasonable number.

I'd go 8 years at 12.75-13M per

5 years at 12.5M is also doable.

So the cap will likely be 87.5 when his contract kicks in...

12.5 million is 14.3% of the cap.

0.3% less than his current hit.

His comparable is Panarin in your opinion?

MacKinnon's contract is 15.3%.

People just look at numbers and have no clue, start looking at cap hit % if you want to start thinking like the players/agents/management.

 

[Eternal Leaf]

So the cap will likely be 87.5 when his contract kicks in...

12.5 million is 14.3% of the cap.

0.3% less than his current hit.

His comparable is Panarin in your opinion?

MacKinnon's contract is 15.3%.

People just look at numbers and have no clue, start looking at cap hit % if you want to start thinking like the players/agents/management.

To be fair, If he wants a 15+% cap hit, he needs to sign for a 6-8 year term.

You can't get bent over that much by a player to the point he gets to keep a higher cap percentage and shorten his contract. He can then bend you over again on the next extension making even more money while the team doesn't get to benefit from the growing cap.

 

[Madap]

If only management hadn’t given up what could potentially be a top 5 first round pick in ‘26.


Then don’t bother coming here. Simple solution.

All good on my end brother.

Seems like all the people who are on the verge of a breakdown in the middle of the summer should be the ones who are taking a break from this site. Would probably do wonders for the health.

 

[notbias]

To be fair, If he wants a 15+% cap hit, he needs to sign for a 6-8 year term.

You can't get bent over that much by a player to the point he gets to keep a higher cap percentage and shorten his contract. He can then bend you over again on the next extension making even more money while the team doesn't get to benefit from the growing cap.

At what age do we not want Matthews? 8 years takes him to 35 if I am not mistaken. 5 sounds good to me.