I don’t consider Matthews locked up long term.
This season plus 2 more before he hits the lame duck year and becomes a UFA at the end of it.
wouldn’t risk a Tavares like exit with him. If he can’t be resigned at the start of his last year, he must be moved.
Not to mention Rielly is UFA in two years. We are going to need to find money.
Well yeah from now, its not considered long term. But he signed that deal a few years ago. If he signed a 2 year bridge, imagine how much Leafs would have to pay now? Feb 2021 would be 2 years since he signed.
5-8 years to me is mid to long term. Maybe I shouldn't have said long, but instead mid. Regardless, I'm glad they could go 5 years as opposed to 2.
I don't know how much covid would change that? You think he still wouldn't ask for 11-13 mill now?
What do you think Nylander would go for now, after that 30 goal season?
Lots of interesting scenarios, but all hypothetical.
Dubas chose to pay his core stars, and during the last 2 years has chosen to support the core with cheap players. You have to when you pay 40+ million. But I like that approach. The big guys have to show up every game but just don't as enough.
Matthews is the rare exception but even he has had a lot of bad games over the years. Thats a problem. But how long do we have to hear "these are growing pains of young players"? Eventually it's tiring and your guys just gotta strap up and play 60. Do whatever to get the win. It's still not there yet.
Andersen definitely hasn't helped the case over last two years, let's not kid ourselves but the forwards have not supported d zone play for a long time. A lot are just looking for quick plays out or cherry picking by red line.
Maybe that's how these skill players are. Maybe Leafs will be like Washington. Win 1 cup with the main core but it'll take time. Who knows.
I will never give up on this team though. No matter who stays or goes. Matthews, Marner, or JT.
