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

[Martin Skoula]

The only years we would have any financial flexibility is if the cap rises and he's getting a lower percentage of the cap so his early 30's on

We've seen Matthews getting massive money on medium term, we can't win like that

Doing the same **** and expecting a different result isn't great planning

I'd rather trade him than continue doing the same stupid crap year after year

His play will fall off faster than the cap rises lol. 12.5+ is going to be elite top 10 money throughout the entirety of the 8 year term, 35 year old Matthews will not bring 12.5 worth of value even adjusting for the cap increase. Kane and Towes signed 8 year deals at the same age Matthews is eligible to, they had the #10 cap hit last season, neither is a top-100 player at this point.

You basically just want to sign him for longer out of principle because it’ll make you feel better emotionally even though it actively hurts the team lol. If Chicago signed Kane and Towes to ~5 year deals, we’d probably see them getting the biggest deadline haul in history selling a 32 year old Kane putting up a 92 point season and Towes still being a 60 point 2C. Instead they delayed the rebuild for no reason and got a grand total of a 2nd round pick for the two of them.

We’re not winning shit with a 35 year old Matthews. If we win 8 years from now, it’s because someone else will have emerged as the main piece on the team. 4-5 years of competing with Matthews at whatever his price ends up being and selling him for a haul while he’s still close to his prime if we don’t win makes more sense than paying a 35 year old with chronic injury issues a top-10 salary just so you can feel better about making him take one for the team or whatever.

 

[Boxscore]

The only years we would have any financial flexibility is if the cap rises and he's getting a lower percentage of the cap so his early 30's on

We've seen Matthews getting massive money on medium term, we can't win like that

Doing the same **** and expecting a different result isn't great planning

I'd rather trade him than continue doing the same stupid crap year after year

This is where I'm at tbh, even though Matthews is my favorite player on the team. There comes a point when a player like Matthews should reward the organization which has given him everything he's asked for in good faith.

That time is now. The team, as currently constructed, simply cannot compete for a Cup because of the core contracts and lack of depth. Matthews knows this and so do the rest of the players. The hard cap is real, and based on the economy, it will likely stay stagnant or increase ever so slightly over the next 2-3 years.

Does Matthews and company truly want to remain in Toronto, leave some good money on the table, and get serious about winning a Cup? Or do they just want to make all the money they can above all else? If it's the latter, are they the kind of people we want leading the Leafs?

 

[The Best Leafs Everr]

He can take 10.5 mil or take a bus to Arizona.

 

[geo25]

Sportsnet at least, is talking like Matthews signing a max 3 year deal to maximize his earnings is a foregone conclusion. $14 x 3 then and do it all again? This is a new strategy to further squeeze the clubs. They can participate in it or not. They can choose not to be the first team to go down that road and maybe avoid it with their other current players. Colorado didn't do it with Mac and Boston didn't do it with Pasta. Its like a reverse home town discount

Just hurry up & trade him...

 

[KeziaTML]

Mathews has another average yr this season 40 g 90 pts
Average playoffs

Matthews having an average playoffs would be an improvement from what we saw from him in the 2nd round.

 

[geo25]

This is where I'm at tbh, even though Matthews is my favorite player on the team. There comes a point when a player like Matthews should reward the organization which has given him everything he's asked for in good faith.

That time is now. The team, as currently constructed, simply cannot compete for a Cup because of the core contracts and lack of depth. Matthews knows this and so do the rest of the players. The hard cap is real, and based on the economy, it will likely stay stagnant or increase ever so slightly over the next 2-3 years.

Does Matthews and company truly want to remain in Toronto, leave some good money on the table, and get serious about winning a Cup? Or do they just want to make all the money they can above all else? If it's the latter, are they the kind of people we want leading the Leafs?

And you just see that now? Its been on full display for years. We wants $...not the Cup, not to help the team build better, none of that ..

He wants maximum $$$$$....time to go....use that $ on players that want to be here and do what it takes to win.

This is what i am sure dubas believed in too.. in treating his best players nicely

Stay with us.. sign mid term deals and maximize your earnings

Just like he tried with his own contract...we'll never know what he's done/promised these guys behind the scenes. Good riddance....

 

[thewave]

Thats not much term. A modified NT in the last year then so if he or the club are not getting anywhere they can get something back for their #1c and he can test drive a new organization of his choosing.

I would overpay to get the modified NT for sure. Not talking about 1m for it though.

 

[RoadWarrior]

Obviously this whole situation is not cut and dried. AM's camp is also playing with fire. There are no certainties in life and a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush all day long. For example let's say AM gives the leafs a 4-5 year deal so he can cash in big in his early 30's, that would be ludicrous. He may be injured (pretty likely with his history) or have diminishing skills. He would never get his big payday at that point.

AM can have an 8 year guaranteed income right now at a reasonable ($13-$14M) salary, not one I am advocating for but whatever. His camp would be nuts to reject it.

I'm fine with trading him as I feel he isn't the type of player (for me) you tie all your horses to. Great skill, no doubt but he is too noncombative or enough I want to win at all cost. Even Crosby has more pushback and many smaller players do. His injury history is also worrisome.

Tough decision for both sides to make. I don't like giving any player such a long term deal unless it is a truly elite player (Gretz, Mario, Orr, McD) AM is not them.
Pasta gave the Bruins a reasonable deal, Drais did as well, Mac, etc. Why is it always the Leafs that get raked over the coals with greedy players. Some would argue AM is not better than these players but will command more money and so will MM.
Kraken have gone further in two years with no star players than this sad bunch.
Give me heart and soul players all day long, they may not win but the effort will always be there and that's something to cheer for. This lot doesn't win and it only leaves you bitter and resentful because they chased the $.

Matthews won’t do an 8 year deal. At most he might take 4 years. He wants to become a UFA again while still in his prime.

the AAV ask will be around $15M X 3 years wth full no move clause. The leafs will counter with $12M x 8 with no trade restrictions. Whether they can meet in the middle remains to be seen.

 

[RoadWarrior]

This is where I'm at tbh, even though Matthews is my favorite player on the team. There comes a point when a player like Matthews should reward the organization which has given him everything he's asked for in good faith.

That time is now. The team, as currently constructed, simply cannot compete for a Cup because of the core contracts and lack of depth. Matthews knows this and so do the rest of the players. The hard cap is real, and based on the economy, it will likely stay stagnant or increase ever so slightly over the next 2-3 years.

Does Matthews and company truly want to remain in Toronto, leave some good money on the table, and get serious about winning a Cup? Or do they just want to make all the money they can above all else? If it's the latter, are they the kind of people we want leading the Leafs?

It’s always about the Benjamins and control. if he leaves something on the table it’s because he’s getting a concession elsewhere. Maybe full no move like Tavares.

 

[Dugath]

He played in Switzerland for the money. He signed a short term deal for huge money and so he could ask for more once the deal comes to an end.

He is about the money. Do not be surprised when it comes out he is asking for something like 15 mil, 5 years and a no trade clause. History would point to something like that.

He needs to go.

 

[ICBM]

He played in Switzerland for the money. He signed a short term deal for huge money and so he could ask for more once the deal comes to an end.

He is about the money.

He needs to go.

We know now that Dubie's main motivation was money. And that's very bad:
- All those big contracts he signed are suspicious. Those 'mistakes' smell bad.
- He was choosing people accordingly. Integrity was not a priority.

 

[Boxscore]

And you just see that now? Its been on full display for years.

No, I've been extremely vocal about this since the afternoon they signed John Tavares as a UFA. You can go back and visit the threads if you like -- I was extremely vocal in real time and said this was a massive mistake and it will now set the precedent for the younger players taking a similar "I want every penny I can possibly make" approach.

When I said that, I was attacked by virtually everyone, calling me a troll and saying I know nothing about Tavares, the Leafs, or the game of hockey. I have been openly critical of the way Shanny and Dubas handled the Core 4 contracts and the way they turned the Toronto Maple Leafs into a soft, spoiled country club where nobody is ever held accountable.

My point is: the Leafs can no longer continue down this path. Today is the one chance they have to reset the culture with Matthews. But, he needs to be willing to do his part. If he is willing to commit to the Leafs and leave money on the table to help us build a winner -- say 12.75 x 6 years -- then he has proven he loves Toronto and his priority is to win a Cup. If he hems and haws about making 14 million x 3 or 5 years, then it's the same old thing with him -- he only cares about the Leafs caving to his demands and truly cares less about winning a championship. And, if that's the case, the Leafs unfortunately should move on from him.

 

[Leaf Lander]

Mathews not leaving the leafs is just a narrative that I for one dont believe at all.I would trade him this week to Arizona for 2 first rnd picks and 6'4" C Connor Geekie and some lovely cap space

 

[Gaberd2608]

No, I've been extremely vocal about this since the afternoon they signed John Tavares as a UFA. You can go back and visit the threads if you like -- I was extremely vocal in real time and said this was a massive mistake and it will now set the precedent for the younger players taking a similar "I want every penny I can possibly make" approach.

When I said that, I was attacked by virtually everyone, calling me a troll and saying I know nothing about Tavares, the Leafs, or the game of hockey. I have been openly critical of the way Shanny and Dubas handled the Core 4 contracts and the way they turned the Toronto Maple Leafs into a soft, spoiled country club where nobody is ever held accountable.

My point is: the Leafs can no longer continue down this path. Today is the one chance they have to reset the culture with Matthews. But, he needs to be willing to do his part. If he is willing to commit to the Leafs and leave money on the table to help us build a winner -- say 12.75 x 6 years -- then he has proven he loves Toronto and his priority is to win a Cup. If he hems and haws about making 14 million x 3 or 5 years, then it's the same old thing with him -- he only cares about the Leafs caving to his demands and truly cares less about winning a championship. And, if that's the case, the Leafs unfortunately should move on from him.

The thing with Tavares is at least he was a ufa who chose to come here. He put in ~8 years in the leage and his dues. These kids think they deserve things as rfa based on potential and not results.

 

[baton elevated]

Matthews won’t do an 8 year deal. At most he might take 4 years. He wants to become a UFA again while still in his prime.

the AAV ask will be around $15M X 3 years wth full no move clause. The leafs will counter with $12M x 8 with no trade restrictions. Whether they can meet in the middle remains to be seen.

Good luck to him. With his injury history he would be well advised to take the sure thing. Declining skills can hit at anytime. The 3-4 years benefits the Leafs more anyway. I wouldn't want AM for 8 years, no player at that age for what it's worth except McD.

 

[Stephen]

The Leafs need Matthews as their cornerstone piece. You can't have a solar system with no sun and just a bunch of left over planets... so there's a premium attached to keeping the whole thing going and I think the Leafs will play ball.

Auston Matthews wants to maximize contract dollars and flexibility in term.

But there is a built in risk there for the player as well, because at 26, the road isn't as open as it was at 21. The Hart season, breaking record, injuries, inconsistency in play, disappointing playoff track record are all factors that should to be baked into a dollar amount.

There is a range of contract lengths that will be a) favorable to the player and volatile to the team b) flexible for the player and team c) security for the player, possibly limit career earnings and inflexible for the team.

$13.0-$13.5 million would be the upper range of a comfortable AAV. Let's settle on a novelty $13.4 million.

5-6 years would be the goldilocks term.

$80.4 million over 6 years.

 

[NVious]

The Leafs need Matthews as their cornerstone piece. You can't have a solar system with no sun and just a bunch of left over planets... so there's a premium attached to keeping the whole thing going and I think the Leafs will play ball.

Auston Matthews wants to maximize contract dollars and flexibility in term.

But there is a built in risk there for the player as well, because at 26, the road isn't as open as it was at 21. The Hart season, breaking record, injuries, inconsistency in play, disappointing playoff track record are all factors that should to be baked into a dollar amount.

There is a range of contract lengths that will be a) favorable to the player and volatile to the team b) flexible for the player and team c) security for the player, possibly limit career earnings and inflexible for the team.

$13.0-$13.5 million would be the upper range of a comfortable AAV. Let's settle on a novelty $13.4 million.

5-6 years would be the goldilocks term.

$80.4 million over 6 years.

He's basically ranked as a top 30 playoff performer (19th goals per 60 and 42 pts/60), this is hardly some game breaking talent come playoff time.

Now I guess his play is "fine," but the only problem is that we're paying him as a top 4 player and now he wants to be #1.

Tell me why losing the 30th best playoff performer who wants to be the highest paid in the league is some great tragedy?

 

[Menzinger]

He's basically ranked as a top 30 playoff performer (19th goals per 60 and 42 pts/60), this is hardly some game breaking talent come playoff time.

Now I guess his play is "fine," but the only problem is that we're paying him as a top 4 player and now he wants to be #1.

Tell me why losing the 30th best playoff performer who wants to be the highest paid in the league is some great tragedy?

That's also not quite the complete picture. Matthews by far attracts the oppositions best defensive units and top D men, freeing up opportunities for the lineup for others.

There is no replacement for him either internally or in free agency - that's the issue

 

[Stephen]

He's basically ranked as a top 30 playoff performer (19th goals per 60 and 42 pts/60), this is hardly some game breaking talent come playoff time.

Now I guess his play is "fine," but the only problem is that we're paying him as a top 4 player and now he wants to be #1.

Tell me why losing the 30th best playoff performer who wants to be the highest paid in the league is some great tragedy?

Well, you have to consider the regular season as well, because you can't be a playoff choke artist if you don't qualify...

Second, it's not like you have the option to walk away from Matthews and sign a player of equal or greater value, more perfect player in the playoffs on the ice. There's a false dilemma.

 

[Menzinger]

Well, you have to consider the regular season as well, because you can't be a playoff choke artist if you don't qualify...

Second, it's not like you have the option to walk away from Matthews and sign a player of equal or greater value, more perfect player in the playoffs on the ice. There's a false dilemma.

Yep.

The Leafs currently have two centers under contract for next season outside of Matthews - Tavares and Holmberg. That's an everest sized hole if there's no Matthews there

 

[Boxscore]

The Leafs need Matthews as their cornerstone piece. You can't have a solar system with no sun and just a bunch of left over planets... so there's a premium attached to keeping the whole thing going and I think the Leafs will play ball.

Auston Matthews wants to maximize contract dollars and flexibility in term.

But there is a built in risk there for the player as well, because at 26, the road isn't as open as it was at 21. The Hart season, breaking record, injuries, inconsistency in play, disappointing playoff track record are all factors that should to be baked into a dollar amount.

There is a range of contract lengths that will be a) favorable to the player and volatile to the team b) flexible for the player and team c) security for the player, possibly limit career earnings and inflexible for the team.

$13.0-$13.5 million would be the upper range of a comfortable AAV. Let's settle on a novelty $13.4 million.

5-6 years would be the goldilocks term.

$80.4 million over 6 years.

Man, this was my gut reaction for a few years as well, but I think there's a ton of gray area with Matthews tbh.

Let's curb the actual dollars and cents for a moment and look at Matthews the person and player. Is he truly the iconic cornerstone type that winning organizations hitch their wagon to if they want to win something significant? Or is he more sizzle than steak like a Thornton, Tavares, Giroux, or Huberdeau? I'm trying to look at this in a very unbiased, objective way.

The good with Auston Matthews:
- He has shown to be an elite goal scorer over the years
- He won a Calder, 2 Rockets, and a Hart, which is impressive
- He is a big bodied, legit no.1 centerman
- He hasn't been a headache off the ice and seems like a great kid and role model
- He has marquee value, sells tickets, and draws fans
- His lethal shot means the Leafs usually are in most games because he can break a game open
- He is an original Leafs pick
- The fans and media love him, almost to the point where he's above criticism

The bad with Auston Matthews:
- He is coming off a down year and more injuries
- He has once again disappointed in the playoffs
- His career playoff PPG dips from 1.14 to 0.88 and his goals p82 dip from 52 to 38
- Outside of 2021-22, he hasn't consistently shown the same fire and hustle as he did early on
- He is currently overpaid for his contributions to the team, especially the post season
- He is likely going to demand above league max on his next deal which will prohibit the Leafs
- History tells us his priorities place his personal contracts above team success
- We have a 7 year sample size of him not being able to elevate his game in the playoffs
- He is not a fan of confrontation or battling in the grimy areas on the ice
- He doesn't appear to be a dedicated freak like Crosby or MacKinnon who hate losing
- His demeanor comes off as very spoiled and entitled (but this is just my perception)

Unlike some of the other megastars in the game, I think Matthews has his share of warts that have a cascading effect throughout the entire organization. The biggest wart appears to be his prioritization of draining max money from the Leafs on his terms. And that tells me that, at his core, he is not a team player who cares about team success. It's all about him. He also seems very content with losing in the playoffs, which is a horrible sign.

Yes, he is a gifted talent. Yes, we are certainly a better team with Matthews than without him. Yes, he still has a chance to reset the culture, leave money on the table for the betterment of the team, and lead by example. But there is a price and a breaking point the Leafs need to consider. Matthews simply isn't McDavid, MacKinnon, let alone Gretzky, Lemieux, etc. There comes a point where the Leafs need to put their foot down and say, "No, Auston, we can no longer simply give people everything they ask for and hope to win a Stanley Cup." This is a fact.

I think your proposed 13.4 x 6 is a hair short of where they will ultimately end (13.75 x 3) and I'm being completely honest now that I believe it will be a mistake because it solidifies to me that Matthews doesn't care about winning a Cup. Which means we're going to relive more of the same, year after year, perhaps worse if we need to cut other impact players for financial reasons.

I really wish Matthews would take this opportunity to step up, lead this club, and agree to a 12.6 x 6 year deal that sets the tone for Marner, Nylander, and others. It's less about the actual "amount" than it is about leading by example and resetting the culture by showing the world you want to remain a Leaf and be a big part of the solution.

 

[leafan11]

Man, this was my gut reaction for a few years as well, but I think there's a ton of gray area with Matthews tbh.

Let's curb the actual dollars and cents for a moment and look at Matthews the person and player. Is he truly the iconic cornerstone type that winning organizations hitch their wagon to if they want to win something significant? Or is he more sizzle than steak like a Thornton, Tavares, Giroux, or Huberdeau? I'm trying to look at this in a very unbiased, objective way.

The good with Auston Matthews:
- He has shown to be an elite goal scorer over the years
- He won a Calder, 2 Rockets, and a Hart, which is impressive
- He is a big bodied, legit no.1 centerman
- He hasn't been a headache off the ice and seems like a great kid and role model
- He has marquee value, sells tickets, and draws fans
- His lethal shot means the Leafs usually are in most games because he can break a game open
- He is an original Leafs pick
- The fans and media love him, almost to the point where he's above criticism

The bad with Auston Matthews:
- He is coming off a down year and more injuries
- He has once again disappointed in the playoffs
- His career playoff PPG dips from 1.14 to 0.88 and his goals p82 dip from 52 to 38
- Outside of 2021-22, he hasn't consistently shown the same fire and hustle as he did early on
- He is currently overpaid for his contributions to the team, especially the post season
- He is likely going to demand above league max on his next deal which will prohibit the Leafs
- History tells us his priorities place his personal contracts above team success
- We have a 7 year sample size of him not being able to elevate his game in the playoffs
- He is not a fan of confrontation or battling in the grimy areas on the ice
- He doesn't appear to be a dedicated freak like Crosby or MacKinnon who hate losing
- His demeanor comes off as very spoiled and entitled (but this is just my perception)

Unlike some of the other megastars in the game, I think Matthews has his share of warts that have a cascading effect throughout the entire organization. The biggest wart appears to be his prioritization of draining max money from the Leafs on his terms. And that tells me that, at his core, he is not a team player who cares about team success. It's all about him. He also seems very content with losing in the playoffs, which is a horrible sign.

Yes, he is a gifted talent. Yes, we are certainly a better team with Matthews than without him. Yes, he still has a chance to reset the culture, leave money on the table for the betterment of the team, and lead by example. But there is a price and a breaking point the Leafs need to consider. Matthews simply isn't McDavid, MacKinnon, let alone Gretzky, Lemieux, etc. There comes a point where the Leafs need to put their foot down and say, "No, Auston, we can no longer simply give people everything they ask for and hope to win a Stanley Cup." This is a fact.

I think your proposed 13.4 x 6 is a hair short of where they will ultimately end (13.75 x 3) and I'm being completely honest now that I believe it will be a mistake because it solidifies to me that Matthews doesn't care about winning a Cup. Which means we're going to relive more of the same, year after year, perhaps worse if we need to cut other impact players for financial reasons.

I really wish Matthews would take this opportunity to step up, lead this club, and agree to a 12.6 x 6 year deal that sets the tone for Marner, Nylander, and others. It's less about the actual "amount" than it is about leading by example and resetting the culture by showing the world you want to remain a Leaf and be a big part of the solution.

Good points but keep in mind all the negatives of Matthews were said about Yzerman too, he ended up becoming on the the best captains.

 

[Larcos_Unal]

If I'm Bundy I go visit Auston and I tell him there's two paths he can take:

1. 5 year deal at $13M per
2. Give me a list of cities you'd consider re-signing in

 

[trellaine201]

FYI he is young but has played an average of 71 games per season if that means anything. I excluded the pandemic season.

 

[socko]

I don't really see a correlation between Yzerman and Matthews. Yzerman was a guy that didn't play defense early in his career. Matthews is already a very good defensive player. It's his wrist shot that is the concern for me. He seems to be losing it. And if he loses his wrist shot, he's still a 40 goal solid defensive center, not worth the money of a Hart trophy guy though.