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

[Stephen]

I would be 99% sure he would work with the leafs on a trade in that scenario

First option is to get him signed, locked up and ready for the next phase but if he doesn't want to stay, help him get to where he needs to get to a year early.

 

[Antropovsky]

If they don't want to work their contracts out before their NMC then trade him. It's not a hard decision. Don't make it harder than it is. Time for this management to take their balls back.

 

[egd27]

Not because of Matthews.

Does that matter?

 

[Kaladin]

Crosby/Malkin/Toews/Kane/Stamkos say hi.

There was a couple years where the back diving deals distorted things and the top picks kind of flopped and had to take less, but Matthews contract was more in line with cap era star level 2nd contracts than McDavid. McDavid's only comparable was Crosby was he chose to gift the Oilers a better contract.

I mean you're reaching back a few years for comparables on that five year extension. The landscape had changed by then. But those comparables put the ridiculous contract he was given in stark contrast.

His cap hit % on his extension was 14.64%. His best season to date when he was given that contract was 1.07 ppg or 73 points.

Crosby and Malkin were higher cap hit % for obvious reasons and aren't comparable so no need to get into it.

Stamkos? Cap hit % of 11.66% which is considerably lower than what Dubas gave Matthews despite having a better peak PPG of 1.16 or 95 points. Not to mention he had a Rocket Richard Trophy in the bag.

Kane? Cap hit % of 11.09% which is again considerably lower. Had a similar 1.07 ppg in his best season before that extension and won Chicago a Stanley Cup! Yet Matthews was paid more.

We will look back on this era thinking of course no stanley cups were won when cap management was this terrible. Also because he was given such a high watermark contract initially it means his next one will also have to be equally ridiculous vs. the rest of the league because players don't go downwards as they progress through contracts.

 

[mikeyz]

How is the new GM going to be able to “pull the reigns on their contracts”? Neither player is going to sign before their NMC kicks in. After that, they’ll have all the power and control. Look at the contracts they got when they had almost no control!

To be fair, that GM that gave them those contracts was pretty bad. Lol.

 

[Stephen]

It might be a genius PR move for Auston Matthews to float the "won't sign before July 1" leading up to that date only to sign on July 1. The unexpected resolution of a stressful contract situation when everyone is expecting the worst would help gloss over whatever unfavorable concessions the team ends up making.

 

[Squiffy]

Why do you say "tried to trade him"?

They can trade him anytime they want until July 1st.

How is the new GM going to be able to “pull the reigns on their contracts”? Neither player is going to sign before their NMC kicks in. After that, they’ll have all the power and control. Look at the contracts they got when they had almost no control!

If they don't want to work their contracts out before their NMC then trade him. It's not a hard decision. Don't make it harder than it is. Time for this management to take their balls back.

Not trying to single in on these posts, just the ones I read after clicking "read new"

Look, it's been said already, not claiming it as my original thought, but it's succinct and true. These guys already all effectively have the NMC or NTC clauses in effect. Not technically, but effectively.

Nobody is paying a kings ransom, which would be the ask and expectation in a trade scenario for Matthews or any of them, unless they have already worked out the trade and sign scenario. We can accept that right? No one is taking Matthews (or whoever) for XXX + 2 1st's on June 8th unless they have already received permission to talk to the agent and have agreed to terms. Tkachuk got traded July 22 and signed an 8 year extension July 22, they didn't work that out over coffee's at Timmies on the morning of July 22nd.

Let's get over the fake July 1 deadline, it's not a thing in real life, only in spreadsheets.

 

[Kiwi]

Not trying to single in on these posts, just the ones I read after clicking "read new"

Look, it's been said already, not claiming it as my original thought, but it's succinct and true. These guys already all effectively have the NMC or NTC clauses in effect. Not technically, but effectively.

Nobody is paying a kings ransom, which would be the ask and expectation in a trade scenario for Matthews or any of them, unless they have already worked out the trade and sign scenario. We can accept that right? No one is taking Matthews (or whoever) for XXX + 2 1st's on June 8th unless they have already received permission to talk to the agent and have agreed to terms. Tkachuk got traded July 22 and signed an 8 year extension July 22, they didn't work that out over coffee's at Timmies on the morning of July 22nd.

Let's get over the fake July 1 deadline, it's not a thing in real life, only in spreadsheets.

Oh no, it's a deadline alright

If you thought other regular seasons were **** shows just wait until we have an unsigned Matthews and Nylander playing 82 games next season

Either Matthews agrees to sign what I expect to be a disgustingly bad contract where the team gets taken out behind the woodshed or he needs to be traded before his NMC kicks in

I'll take 50c on the dollar rather than walking his entitled ass to free agency and getting nothing, that's ******* catastrophic

 

[Gabriel426]

It might be a genius PR move for Auston Matthews to float the "won't sign before July 1" leading up to that date only to sign on July 1. The unexpected resolution of a stressful contract situation when everyone is expecting the worst would help gloss over whatever unfavorable concessions the team ends up making.

The fact that AM and the Leafs cannot sign a contract till July 1 will constantly have the TO medias on overdrive and Leafsnation on edge.

 

[The Apologist]

Yes, they would have.

I think people need to remember that the Panthers are two years removed from a Presidents trophy. They are by no means a weak team.

 

[Trapper]

It might be a genius PR move for Auston Matthews to float the "won't sign before July 1" leading up to that date only to sign on July 1. The unexpected resolution of a stressful contract situation when everyone is expecting the worst would help gloss over whatever unfavorable concessions the team ends up making.

Why would any of the 3 sign before they held all the power? They are not taking less than they currently make and it’s highly unlikely (based on past negotiations) that they offer any discount.
The Leafs will either sign Matthews or he walks UFA. There is no in between. Neither Shanahan or the new GM are going to be the guys that traded Matthews. They could be the lose him guys, but not the trade him guys.
It all depends on Matthews. If he re-signs, push hard to try and win the Cup in the next 5 years.
If he doesn’t re-sign, rebuild it.

 

[Stephen]

Why would any of the 3 sign before they held all the power? They are not taking less than they currently make and it’s highly unlikely (based on past negotiations) that they offer any discount.
The Leafs will either sign Matthews or he walks UFA. There is no in between. Neither Shanahan or the new GM are going to be the guys that traded Matthews. They could be the lose him guys, but not the trade him guys.
It all depends on Matthews. If he re-signs, push hard to try and win the Cup in the next 5 years.
If he doesn’t re-sign, rebuild it.

My point is if they got everything about of Toronto on July 1, they could leverage the PR of signing the first day possible and commitment to the franchise to sell whatever massive contract dollar amount and term and protection they got from the Leafs.

The optics of signing a X year, Y AAV deal on July 1 looks a lot better than signing the same deal September 30. Or January 1. Or whatever.

 

[therealkoho]

All the players have NMC now in a sense. Who is going to pay you a big return if they can't talk to him to see what he wants on his next deal and if he will sign in their city? So, basically AM can say "Trade me wherever you want but I am going to UFA if I don't like the deal or the team." What are you going to get for 1yr of AM or Willy if that is the case when shopping them?

That's why Treliving did a pretty bang up job in getting what he got from FLA for Chucky. His hands were tied because he could only get max return if he sent him to a team that he wanted to go to.

If a deal is going to happen contingent on an extension you can bet they'll be negotiations happening

 

[PromisedLand]

Any new rumors of what Matthews is looking for? Last I heard he was looking to get anything from 14 AAV to 15 AAV

thats too rich for me given his playoff performance, his last regular season performance and his recurring wrist issue

 

[Menzinger]

Any new rumors of what Matthews is looking for? Last I heard he was looking to get anything from 14 AAV to 15 AAV

thats too rich for me given his playoff performance, his last regular season performance and his recurring wrist issue

There hasn't been anything firm leaked to any major media source. A few guys have speculated he'll be getting well over 13 per but there's no concrete leaks

 

[ToneDog]

My point is if they got everything about of Toronto on July 1, they could leverage the PR of signing the first day possible and commitment to the franchise to sell whatever massive contract dollar amount and term and protection they got from the Leafs.

The optics of signing a X year, Y AAV deal on July 1 looks a lot better than signing the same deal September 30. Or January 1. Or whatever.

Until Matty signs, it will be kaos with Leafs nation after July 1st. Either sign July 1st or give us a list of teams you'd be willing to sign with. 33 days to D-day. The clock is ticking.

There hasn't been anything firm leaked to any major media source. A few guys have speculated he'll be getting well over 13 per but there's no concrete leaks

Rumour is also that it will be for less term. IMO he could do himself a world of good if he takes a bit more than MacKinnon but for 5 years.

 

[Menzinger]

Oh no, it's a deadline alright

If you thought other regular seasons were **** shows just wait until we have an unsigned Matthews and Nylander playing 82 games next season

Either Matthews agrees to sign what I expect to be a disgustingly bad contract where the team gets taken out behind the woodshed or he needs to be traded before his NMC kicks in

I'll take 50c on the dollar rather than walking his entitled ass to free agency and getting nothing, that's ******* catastrophic

Issue for Shanny is that it would look pretty awkward for him to have to call the board and tell them the franchise player is leaving.

Which is why it's more likely the first scenario you described happen.thr front office will likely move quickly to get Matthew's signed to whatever deal they can, and just deal with the fallout after.

Fingers crossed he's willing to be flexible with the aav

 

[Boxscore]

First option is to get him signed, locked up and ready for the next phase but if he doesn't want to stay, help him get to where he needs to get to a year early.

If he really wants to stay he better be willing to agree to a $13 mil cap hit (max) deal for no less than 5-6 years. Talk it cheap, it's time to walk the walk now.

 

[Stephen]

If he really wants to stay he better be willing to agree to a $13 mil cap hit (max) deal for no less than 5-6 years. Talk it cheap, it's time to walk the walk now.

$13 million and 6 years is my comfort zone too. That’s the highest AAV without being anxious and 6 years is my preferred length of contract.

 

[Boxscore]

$13 million and 6 years is my comfort zone too. That’s the highest AAV without being anxious and 6 years is my preferred length of contract.

And $13 is absolute "we'll overpay you" max. McDavid makes 12.5 and MacKinnon 12.6. In all fairness, Matthews should be at 11.8 or 12.5 max. Twist my arm at $13, fine, but no less than 6 years. Hard stop, end of story. Anything more then the Leafs have themselves to blame for hitching their wagon to a kid who doesn't prioritize winning a Cup.

 

[GoonieFace]

No more than 10.5 for this guy and that’s a a stretch.

 

[BallardEra]

No more than 10.5 for this guy and that’s a a stretch.

He will end up getting between 13-13.4 per season.

If he truly wants out of Toronto he will ask for 14-15 per.

 

[TheGreenTBer]

Oh no, it's a deadline alright

If you thought other regular seasons were **** shows just wait until we have an unsigned Matthews and Nylander playing 82 games next season

Either Matthews agrees to sign what I expect to be a disgustingly bad contract where the team gets taken out behind the woodshed or he needs to be traded before his NMC kicks in

I'll take 50c on the dollar rather than walking his entitled ass to free agency and getting nothing, that's ******* catastrophic

Amen

Aaaaaaaaaaamen.

 

[NVious]

No more than 10.5 for this guy and that’s a a stretch.

Only in Toronto can the "superstar leader" ask for 2 raises after nearly a decade of failure and arguably his worst season and a totally invisible round.

Unlike Mac and McDavid who ELEVATE their games during the playoffs, Matthews falls in every regard, points and even goals, yet we have to give him a raise because of reasons.

Why not just get a 40 goal scorer at 7 million who plays the same way in the playoffs and use the 6 million for D or goalie, as opposed to paying 13+ million for a guy who scores at a .44gpg in the playoff rate.

The most hilarious idea I heard was pay Matthews based on goals he scores in the playoffs (1 mill per 1 goal), then he can make 16+ million lmfao, fortunately for us it'll only cost us likely 4-7 for him. Although knowing the core, if money is on the line Matthews would probably break the playoff goal scoring record lmfao.

 

[Leafshater67]

There’s no evidence Marner or Matthews hate losing enough to sign team friendly deals. Marner especially had absolutely zero interest in helping the team last time so will they this time? I doubt it.

It sucks to see the future of your favorite team held hostage. I hope Matthews signs 11m x 8