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

[Sypher04]

Elliotte Friedman makes this speculative statement 3 weeks ago:

“Auston Matthews had an availability [on Tuesday] and he wants to stay. I believe that. I’ve been on record many times saying that I think they’re going to sign a medium-term contract extension at a big number that’ll likely make him the highest-paid player on AAV in the NHL”

and this board spends the next 3 weeks bitching about Matthews only wanting 3 years not being enough and applying ridiculous figures with no basis to characterize his ask.

Every scrap of info we have right now is worth precisely nothing

 

[ToDavid]

I don’t know where all these insane numbers are coming from in the media. I get that he got a pricey second contract but it was still within the realm of reason. In terms of past five year deals, it was more than Stamkos and less than Malkin, as a % of the cap.

Five years later, after lacklustre playoff performances, coming off a down year, he’s going to be the highest paid player in the league by a wide margin on a 3-5 year contract? Like Mackinnon was one of the best players in the league for four years, 3x Hart finalist, multiple dominant playoff performances capped off by a cup, and he just barely cleared McDavid on an 8 year deal. Meanwhile several reputable people are reporting he really wants to stay? The f***?

I’m firmly in the camp that you ride with a guy like Matthews until the end, but if that’s what he’s looking for he can kick rocks unless he puts up a conn smythe worthy performance next year and the cap hits $95m. But if I’m signing him to an extension this summer I’m not sure what case he has for much more than like 8x$12m, and that’s generous.

I’m hoping this is just the media trying to stir up something to talk about during the offseason. Because the numbers being talked about are absurd.

 

[Menzinger]

The date and location for the open was set over 18 months ago

That still doesn't necessarily mean something else more important may have come up in the meantime, ie with family obligations ect. I just don't think a public appearance at this golfbl event is particularly telling about his feeling one way or the other, especially for someone who lives elsewhere in the offseason

 

[ACC1224]

The date and location for the open was set over 18 months ago

ok?

 

[Captain Crunch]

Of course there is a limit to how much more he makes over others, but at this point in time we have nothing but baseless speculation fueling the numbers people are up in arms about.

Yup, you're exactly right. We're just going to have to sit back and wait.

 

[Peasy]

I don’t know where all these insane numbers are coming from in the media. I get that he got a pricey second contract but it was still within the realm of reason. In terms of past five year deals, it was more than Stamkos and less than Malkin, as a % of the cap.

Five years later, after lacklustre playoff performances, coming off a down year, he’s going to be the highest paid player in the league by a wide margin on a 3-5 year contract? Like Mackinnon was one of the best players in the league for four years, 3x Hart finalist, multiple dominant playoff performances capped off by a cup, and he just barely cleared McDavid on an 8 year deal. Meanwhile several reputable people are reporting he really wants to stay? The f***?

I’m firmly in the camp that you ride with a guy like Matthews until the end, but if that’s what he’s looking for he can kick rocks unless he puts up a conn smythe worthy performance next year and the cap hits $95m. But if I’m signing him to an extension this summer I’m not sure what case he has for much more than like 8x$12m, and that’s generous.

I’m hoping this is just the media trying to stir up something to talk about during the offseason. Because the numbers being talked about are absurd.

Probably being fed by his agent.

 

[keonsbitterness]

Using Matty's cap percentage the year he signed his last deal in 18-19 (and I've been told we're supposed to use 18-19 as a base even though the contract didn't take effect until 19-20), and applying that to the expected 23-24 cap limit of $83.5 million for his next deal which will take effect in 24-25, that gives us an equivalent AAV of approximately $12.2 million.

Assuming (which is always dangerous) a 5-6 year deal, what's the fairest/likeliest number? Or maybe a better question -- what's the highest number the Leafs should go? I ask you, fellow hfboard-ites.

 

[Larcos_Unal]

Hayes is gonna have a stroke one of these days over this Matthews greedfest

 

[authentic]

I don’t know where all these insane numbers are coming from in the media. I get that he got a pricey second contract but it was still within the realm of reason. In terms of past five year deals, it was more than Stamkos and less than Malkin, as a % of the cap.

Five years later, after lacklustre playoff performances, coming off a down year, he’s going to be the highest paid player in the league by a wide margin on a 3-5 year contract? Like Mackinnon was one of the best players in the league for four years, 3x Hart finalist, multiple dominant playoff performances capped off by a cup, and he just barely cleared McDavid on an 8 year deal. Meanwhile several reputable people are reporting he really wants to stay? The f***?

I’m firmly in the camp that you ride with a guy like Matthews until the end, but if that’s what he’s looking for he can kick rocks unless he puts up a conn smythe worthy performance next year and the cap hits $95m. But if I’m signing him to an extension this summer I’m not sure what case he has for much more than like 8x$12m, and that’s generous.

I’m hoping this is just the media trying to stir up something to talk about during the offseason. Because the numbers being talked about are absurd.

Matthews was runner up for the Hart and Lindsay trophy two years in a row and scored 60 goals in 73 games, stretch of 51 goals in 50 games all while being a well above average defensive center. In the real world that counts for something and he's going to be getting anywhere between 13 and 14.5 million. 13 would be nice but I still think he signs for 14 million whether we like it or not.

 

[hockeywiz542]

 

[hockeywiz542]

Maple Leafs hire Shane Doan to front office

Doan retired as a player in August 2017 and joined the Coyotes' front office in January 2021.

theathletic.com

What does Doan joining the Leafs mean for an Auston Matthews’ extension?

Matthews’ no-movement clause kicks in on July 1, which is also when the Leafs can sign him to an extension. It’s easy to connect the dots between what the addition of Doan — one of Matthews’ favorite players growing up in Arizona — means for the possibility of re-signing one of the greatest Leafs of all time.

“(Matthews) has the right as a player to go through (contract negotiations). And I think every single organization does that when they have an elite player and it’s no different with him, whether or not I’ll be involved in helping (Treliving) and helping the organization in any way possible. And if I can help in that area, I’ll help,” Doan said. “But at the same time, that’ll be his decision, and I’m excited about the opportunity to work with him for the next little bit.”

Nevertheless, a notable takeaway from Doan’s brief availability on Friday afternoon was how important he views relationship-building as a vital element of his experience and his current job. Doan said he wants to be an NHL GM one day, and bringing the experience of having communicated with a generation of players undoubtedly made him an attractive hire to Treliving.

“I’m comfortable with my relationships with players and having the ability to connect with them. For whatever reason, I enjoyed the dressing room and being in the dressing room and helping guys,” Doan said.

And so it’s equally easy to connect the dots again: will Doan be able to fortify his relationship with Matthews and could that be part of an effort to convince the Leafs star to re-sign in Toronto?

Doan was clear that he appreciates “the ability to connect with people, helping people and (putting) them in the best situation possible for them to be successful. I think that’s what (a) team is all about. I think that the leadership is kind of all about us finding a way to make everybody better.” — Kloke

 

[Funk21]

Yeah the numbers being circulated by Mike Johnson are just ludicrous. Guy doesn’t deserve 12.7 let alone 13 plus on on a 5 year or less deal. It’s simple as this if you aren’t gonna commit to 8 years we are gonna trade you. We have screwed the Blue and White with Matthews overpayment, Marner overpayment and JT terrible contract. About the only person who committed to this franchise and didn’t gouge the team is Rielly. Either these players buy in and take less or they are out.

I’d rather have 12 forward, 6 D and 2 goalies that buy in rather than one or two stars who only care about the size of their contract and don’t care to winning above all else. This core has done nothing and got paid handsomely, it’s time they put the team first.

AM 12.7x8
Marner 10.5 x8
Nylander 9x8

Those are the max amounts I’d be will to pay any of these players. I don’t care what the cap is going to.

 

[Larcos_Unal]

Yeah the numbers being circulated by Mike Johnson are just ludicrous. Guy doesn’t deserve 12.7 let alone 13 plus on on a 5 year or less deal. It’s simple as this if you aren’t gonna commit to 8 years we are gonna trade you. We have screwed the Blue and White with Matthews overpayment, Marner overpayment and JT terrible contract. About the only person who commuted to this franchise and didn’t gauge the team is Rielly. Either these players buy in and take less or they are out.

I’d rather have 12 forward, 6 D and 2 goalies that buy in rather than one or two stars who only care about the size of their contract and don’t care to win above all else. This core has done nothing and got paid handsomely, it’s time they put the team first.

AM 12.7x8
Marner 10.5 x8
Nylander 9x8

Those are the max amounts I’d be will to pay any of these players. I don’t care what the cap is going to.

If the goal is to make this a TEAM and not the core 4, good luck when you have one guy trying to bend you over a barrel and take every single penny he can get. Mitch & Willie will only follow suite.

The big boys take 50% of the cap then it's 'unfair' to put all the pressure on them? Who you gonna put the pressure on, Kampf? Liljegren? Get real

 

[authentic]

Yeah the numbers being circulated by Mike Johnson are just ludicrous. Guy doesn’t deserve 12.7 let alone 13 plus on on a 5 year or less deal. It’s simple as this if you aren’t gonna commit to 8 years we are gonna trade you. We have screwed the Blue and White with Matthews overpayment, Marner overpayment and JT terrible contract. About the only person who commuted to this franchise and didn’t gauge the team is Rielly. Either these players buy in and take less or they are out.

I’d rather have 12 forward, 6 D and 2 goalies that buy in rather than one or two stars who only care about the size of their contract and don’t care to win above all else. This core has done nothing and got paid handsomely, it’s time they put the team first.

AM 12.7x8
Marner 10.5 x8
Nylander 9x8

Those are the max amounts I’d be will to pay any of these players. I don’t care what the cap is going to.

Marner already makes more than that right now, you think he's taking less in his next contract

 

[egd27]

It’s simple as this if you aren’t gonna commit to 8 years we are gonna trade you.

It's not even close to being simple. The former GM handed about 50 of the 52 cards in the deck to Matthews with the NMC. The Leafs are holding the 2 and 3 of clubs.

 

[Gabriel426]

I don't know if I want em for 8.
How long has he been here? Maybe he's the problem.

That’s another question.

If he is the problem, trade him now, why offer him 3 yrs or 5 yrs?

 

[Martin Skoula]

Yeah the numbers being circulated by Mike Johnson are just ludicrous. Guy doesn’t deserve 12.7 let alone 13 plus on on a 5 year or less deal. It’s simple as this if you aren’t gonna commit to 8 years we are gonna trade you. We have screwed the Blue and White with Matthews overpayment, Marner overpayment and JT terrible contract. About the only person who commuted to this franchise and didn’t gauge the team is Rielly. Either these players buy in and take less or they are out.

I’d rather have 12 forward, 6 D and 2 goalies that buy in rather than one or two stars who only care about the size of their contract and don’t care to win above all else. This core has done nothing and got paid handsomely, it’s time they put the team first.

AM 12.7x8
Marner 10.5 x8
Nylander 9x8

Those are the max amounts I’d be will to pay any of these players. I don’t care what the cap is going to.

Thank god Rielly was such a hometown hero and committed to an 8 year deal. I can’t wait to be paying him 7.5 when he’s 37. We’d be so much worse off if we were only paying him 7.5 mil until he’s 34 if he was a SELFISH GREEDY PIG like random people on twitter are saying Matthews is going to be. We NEED to be paying 35 year old Matthews 12.5 mil or he can get the HELL out of Toronto!!!

Imagine if Tavares was even greedier and only signed 11 x 5? We’d have 11 mil of worthless cap space to spend right now.

 

[Eternal Leaf]

Thank god Rielly was such a hometown hero and committed to an 8 year deal. I can’t wait to be paying him 7.5 when he’s 37. We’d be so much worse off if we were only paying him 7.5 mil until he’s 34 if he was a SELFISH GREEDY PIG like random people on twitter are saying Matthews is going to be. We NEED to be paying 35 year old Matthews 12.5 mil or he can get the HELL out of Toronto!!!

Imagine if Tavares was even greedier and only signed 11 x 5? We’d have 11 mil of worthless cap space to spend right now.

Rielly has a good contract.

He took less on the cap hit and only has a 10-team NTC for his final two seasons. It won't be hard to trade him if necessary.

The problem with Matthews and Marner was they wanted everything (high cap hit, short-term, huge signing bonuses, full NMCs) and I won't be surprised if they do the same thing this time around. Basically they win from all angles, which is a big joke and deserves criticism.

 

[Martin Skoula]

Rielly has a good contract.

He took less on the cap hit and only has a 10-team NTC for his final two seasons. It won't be hard to trade him if necessary.

The problem with Matthews and Marner was they wanted everything (high cap hit, short-term, huge signing bonuses, full NMCs) and I won't be surprised if they do the same thing this time around. Basically they win from all angles, which is a big joke and deserves criticism.

Would Rielly at 7.5 x 5 be a better or worse contract than Rielly at 7.5 x 8?

The comparison only makes sense if it’s 7.5 x 8 vs 9 x 5, but people are acting like if Matthews signs for less term at the same money it somehow hurts us. Paying guys in their mid 30s top money is not a good idea unless it gets you a big discount on their 26-30 years.

 

[Blaylock38]

Any deal with a term below 5 years should be an automatic pass, and we should deal him. His contract will become a distraction yearly and put unneeded pressure on "the window". Also a lower term will not necessarily be a selling point as a way to lure free agents or acquisitions to the team to play with Matthews and build upon their team.

 

[Eternal Leaf]

Would Rielly at 7.5 x 5 be a better or worse contract than Rielly at 7.5 x 8?

The comparison only makes sense if it’s 7.5 x 8 vs 9 x 5, but people are acting like if Matthews signs for less term at the same money it somehow hurts us. Paying guys in their mid 30s top money is not a good idea unless it gets you a big discount on their 26-30 years.

I know what you're suggesting but you are assuming the Leafs would want to get rid of the player after 3-5 seasons. Yes, then the shorter contract is ideal.

In any other situation, the shorter contract is much worse.

Let's look at Matthews as an example.

13 x 3 means he is 30 when it's time to re-sign. Although he will be smarter than that and re-sign at 29 a year before just like this time around. Why would he do this? It's because he would still be in his prime at 29 and a GM is going to get out-leveraged in that scenario. A GM won't want to let a superstar go that's still in his prime.

At that point, he can ask for an 8-year deal as his final contract with a high cap hit. He would likely ask for 14M x 8 and you would get stuck with a massive anchor for the last 3-4 years of that deal.

When these players ask for short-term deals, they are only thinking about themselves.

 

[Legion34]

Meh it’s not that big of a deal. I think it has more to do with him not loving golf like that. Don’t think he’s heavily interested in it and that’s okay. Why does everything have to be an issue for people on here?

He doesn’t want to play in the pro am, who gives a flying f***? Should be a total non story.

Im pretty sure he has a star golfer sister and they play.

It’s probably fir the days counting to claim American residency for taxes

 

[usernamezrhardtodo]

In the past week, Caufield & Severson have both signed 8 year deals.

....but Matthews can't?

Let's be crystal clear here - Auston Matthews' next deal will prioritize his own monetary gain, not the Leafs winning / living in Toronto etc.

It's honestly nauseating.

I think the part that really makes fans sick is that he is getting benefits from playing here that are not found almost anywhere else with endorsements and the like. So he gets more money to play in a market that also provides him with the opportunity to make even more money and we have to overpay for that? You would think it would be the other way around.

I personally, and this is kind of petty of myself, will never buy a product that AM and MM -or JT for that matter- pitch in this market. I find it disgusting...especially gambling stuff. I doubt their agents ask these endorsers whether or not they would still pay the bucks they pay if those players were in smaller markets...

 

[Martin Skoula]

I know what you're suggesting but you are assuming the Leafs would want to get rid of the player after 3-5 seasons. Yes, then the shorter contract is ideal.

In any other situation, the shorter contract is much worse.

Let's look at Matthews as an example.

13 x 3 means he is 30 when it's time to re-sign. Although he will be smarter than that and re-sign at 29 a year before just like this time around. Why would he do this? It's because he would still be in his prime at 29 and a GM is going to get out-leveraged in that scenario. A GM won't want to let a superstar go that's still in his prime.

At that point, he can ask for an 8-year deal as his final contract with a high cap hit. He would likely ask for 14M x 8 and you would get stuck with a massive anchor for the last 3-4 years of that deal.

When these players ask for short-term deals, they are only thinking about themselves.

3 is too short but I’d rather 3 than 8. 5 years is the ideal length for both parties imo, that’s our competitive window unless we hit a McAvoy/Point/Vasi in the draft by some miracle. We either win, rebuild, or take a step back for 2-3 years a la Boston retool in that window. Even in the retool scenario, Matthews is at least 32 by the time we’re dangerous again. If it doesn’t work out he’s still young enough to get his retirement deal with whatever American team he wants.

In all the scenarios that don’t involve us winning in the next ~5 years, I’d rather be able to trade an early 30s Matthews with a 1 year retention or sign-and-trade than take reduced value for a massive contract that we can’t retain on because it has 4 years left on it, it’s the same situation San Jose is in with Karlsson right now. If Karlsson had 1 year left on his deal they could have gotten likely the biggest return in deadline history this year for him at 50%. Same with Chicago and Kane/Towes, if they sold them at ~32 coming off 90+/60 point seasons their rebuild would be much further along. Instead they got a grand total of a 2nd for them.

I’m really just not seeing a scenario where a 35 year old Matthews at 13 mil helps us compete in 2030. Obviously if the price for 5 years is 13+ but he’s willing to take 12 for 8 years it starts being worth discussing, but that discount needs to be worth committing the extra term. If it’s the same-ish money it’s not even up for discussion which is better for us.

 

[usernamezrhardtodo]

If the goal is to make this a TEAM and not the core 4, good luck when you have one guy trying to bend you over a barrel and take every single penny he can get. Mitch & Willie will only follow suite.

The big boys take 50% of the cap then it's 'unfair' to put all the pressure on them? Who you gonna put the pressure on, Kampf? Liljegren? Get real

They recently reported how the team is disjointed from a bottom 6 perspective in that they don't have an identity etc. Could it be that those lower rung players look at their pay checks and think "I could have been making a bit more if not for those pricks that already make loads of money and left nothing for us." That is why they call the team a "group" ....it's not a team at all...its just the core 4 and whoever is blowing through town hoping to get a bump by playing in this market and praying Dreger makes them out to be indispensable so they can cash in somewhere else. They are already doing it with Bunting with the talk of 4 or 5M....