When you hand someone that contract, you have to be expecting more than just goals and assists.
Vegas and Colorado are at least both contenders at the same time and even today are better than any non-Florida team in the east. And Dallas has been every bit as good as them too. That's 3 legit contenders to the east's 1 or 2 (depending what you think of Boston).
There's a difference between what he's earned and what's expected of him. Hell that divide between earned value, expectations, and contracts actually handed out is how the team ended up in this mess (lol pun not intended) in the first place.
Considering how he looks with the added pressure of the playoffs... I don't see how adding more pressure is a positive move
Extensions? Lmao
Those were my initial thoughts exactly. As long as it doesn't impact his focus and domination in the rocket race I am fine with it. For instance if he has to start worrying about character things and beating off pests more often which they literally game plan for it could result in minor injuries and he's not getting those Blueline fade away wristers to go in anymore.
Think the question is will it happen before camp, sometime during the season or not at all?
The problem is those guys are never available and the leafs have to pay a little extra to attract them to the market.
The only way to settle early is to overpay. Marner wants a raise, not until next summer will he realize he isn’t getting one. Then he will extend the deal.
Maybe that’s a decision they’ll have to make but there is also Tavares and Robertson to sign. There are other things going on besides Marner.
I get that it takes time but you don't say this team is going to see significant changes and then make no significant roster moves to the forward group.
I don't think this is a thing today, communication between coach and players.
I might be overthinking it, but I doubt Berube is going to be treating Matthews like a shop steward, passing along responsibilities to the union members. Pretty confident Berube will address the players individually and in groups with or without Matthews there.
However, accepting the Captaincy should entail accepting more responsibility.
This shouldn't just be a thump my chest and walk away scenario.
Of course, they get to sell more Matthews product with the 'C' on it now.
They actually did make pretty material changes, particularly in the most important spot - the coaching staff. The idea that trading one guy - Marner - would somehow fundamentally reshape the team is misguided.
Overhauling the D and getting a decent goalie seems to be lost on some fans smh.
I think the turning point came on the bench in that Boston series where Marner was tossing a temper tantrum and his gloves and Willy turned to him and Auston and stop F'ing crying and play the game.
They paid extra to Mitchy. Extra to JT.
