Confirmed with Link: Leafs sign F Auston Matthews to extension (4 years, $13.25M AAV)

[barilko05]

Look up the terms Muskoka 5.

Here, I'll start it off for you.

The Maple Leafs and the Legacy of the Muskoka Five - The Hockey Writers Maple Leafs History Latest News, Analysis & More

The Muskoka Five were 5 players in Toronto who were too comfortable, content to lose, and spend summers by the lake. Who were they?

thehockeywriters.com

Think back to 2003, then to 2012, and now.

What did people think of:

Sundin
Tucker
Kaberle
McCabe
Kubina

Speculation (from 10 years ago) was that we MIGHT have gotten some draft picks. However, judging by the quality of what we drafted in subsequent years, I'm gonna guess it wouldn't have helped anyway. In the end, the "Muskoka 5" was a media construct that stirred up a disgruntled fanbase to sell papers. Sound familiar?

 

[Stephen]

It was, if you completely ignore documented history.

This is not a town that can appreciate what it has at any time.

It will, after some years, look back and fawn over what it used to have.

Toronto sports is littered with these types of scenarios, and it's not only a hockey issue.

For some reason, people in this town have given far too much oxygen and fuel to guys like Feschuck and Cox and Simmons. How so they stay employed? Because people consume their shit.

We look back on their stories and shake our heads years later, but contemporaneously, this town loves to regurgitate the pieces from these hacks.

And that's what has been going on with Matthews and Marner over the last few years, they became the target of these idiots with ink and paper and a platform, and the droves of imbeciles started turning on the kids.

They ignore that Matthews won 2 Richards, Hart, Lindsay, and finished with 2nd most goals twice, in the span of 7 years.

They ignore that Marner has now burned 100 points thrice and plays at a Selke level.

No, they have somehow made it a sole point to tell us that these 2 players are selfish and greedy and have shown no desire to win.

The only insight we have had into the room shows the exact "opposite, but evidence be damned.....Simmons and Cox and Feschuck told me so".


It was the same song and dance with Phil, and I was just as outspoken against idiot Leafs fans then (turn out I was right and he wasn't poisonous or cancerous in the room, turn out he could be a major factor in a winning team).

It was the same song and dance with Tucks, and Domi, and Kaberle, and Sundin.

And, sadly, early in the career of Matthews and Marner, I predicted that one day, this town would turn on them too.

f*** it sucks to be right about this bipolar town sometimes.

How badly could Toronto have treated Phil Kessel while a Leaf when the man chooses to celebrate each and every cup win here in Toronto? For a guy that well traveled in the league, from Wisconsin, etc. even if he married someone from here - he could be enjoying his big day and happy moments anywhere else in the world. And it’s here…

Every city has ups and downs with its superstar players in all kinds of sports. You think Philly, Boston, Chicago and New York aren’t tough on their guys when things are going poorly?

 

[pcruz]

How badly could Toronto have treated Phil Kessel while a Leaf when the man chooses to celebrate each and every cup win here in Toronto? For a guy that well traveled in the league, from Wisconsin, etc. even if he married someone from here - he could be enjoying his big day and happy moments anywhere else in the world. And it’s here…

Every city has ups and downs with its superstar players in all kinds of sports. You think Philly, Boston, Chicago and New York aren’t tough on their guys when things are going poorly?

Are things going poorly with Matthews?

A player 1 year removed from back to back Rocket trophies and who scored 40 goals on what was a really poor production year, but one where he improved in other areas away from the puck.

Are things that bad with him that people have no qualms with accusing him of being:

Selfish
Greedy
Content with not winning
Afraid of commitment
Unwilling to put his body on the line


I could see how someone could be sour on a Manoah who was sent down to Christie Pits and throw for the Maple Leafs, but what is the source of vitriol for someone who still led the team in goals this past year?

 

[ACC1224]

Are things going poorly with Matthews?

A player 1 year removed from back to back Rocket trophies and who scored 40 goals on what was a really poor production year, but one where he improved in other areas away from the puck.

Are things that bad with him that people have no qualms with accusing him of being:

Selfish
Greedy
Content with not winning
Afraid of commitment
Unwilling to put his body on the line


I could see how someone could be sour on a Manoah who was sent down to Christie Pits and throw for the Maple Leafs, but what is the source of vitriol for someone who still led the team in goals this past year?

A handful of people here doesn't come close to representing the thoughts of the fan base. No even close.

 

[Stephen]

Are things going poorly with Matthews?

A player 1 year removed from back to back Rocket trophies and who scored 40 goals on what was a really poor production year, but one where he improved in other areas away from the puck.

Are things that bad with him that people have no qualms with accusing him of being:

Selfish
Greedy
Content with not winning
Afraid of commitment
Unwilling to put his body on the line


I could see how someone could be sour on a Manoah who was sent down to Christie Pits and throw for the Maple Leafs, but what is the source of vitriol for someone who still led the team in goals this past year?

Tom Brady was boo’ed in Boston after their 21 game home winning streak was snapped and 2 decades of constantly winning Super Bowl titles. His response? “It’s part of sports.”

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady BOOED off by angry fans

Brady, who is the most successful NFL player of all time with six Super Bowl titles, was on the receiving end of a chorus of boos from Patriots fans at half-time as his offence failed to fire on Sunday.

www.dailymail.co.uk

You seem to be pretty down on Toronto without being aware of how fans behave in other markets and sports or how star athletes are covered, characterized and criticized. I can’t even think of a scenario where Matthews was even treated particularly poorly ever.

Or here, how is it even possible for anyone to criticize Patrick Mahomes?

https://www.si.com/.amp/extra-mustard/2023/08/25/brittany-mahomes-puts-haters-on-blast-blunt-quote-about-receiving-criticism

 

[TDotMassive]

If Matthews wanted to be greedy and selfish... and he could have given his leverage, then he could have held out for $15m x 2 and gone for $17m x 2 when the cap goes up in a couple years.

What would the Leafs do if he just held firm on that demand? Let arguably the most talented player in club history walk into UFA for nothing? Pay this insane amount? He could have put the team to a very tough choice...

He did not bring the team to its knees... compared to the above he left $11 million on the table over 4 years. The contract is pretty fair and reasonable for the team considering where the leverage lay...

 

[hockeyes]

If Matthews wanted to be greedy and selfish... and he could have given his leverage, then he could have held out for $15m x 2 and gone for $17m x 2 when the cap goes up in a couple years.

What would the Leafs do if he just held firm on that demand? Let arguably the most talented player in club history walk into UFA for nothing? Pay this insane amount? He could have put the team to a very tough choice...

He did not bring the team to its knees... compared to the above he left $11 million on the table over 4 years. The contract is pretty fair and reasonable for the team considering where the leverage lay...

Being greedy is like blowing up a balloon, gotta know when to stop inflating to avoid blowing up in your face. If he demanded 15x2, maybe the hatchets come out.

 

[WTFMAN99]

15x2?

Enjoy wherever the hell you end up because you ain't winning anything and all of a sudden everyone will say "Well I produce 70-80% of Matthews" so everyone gets expensive fast.

 

[Bomber0104]

If Matthews wanted to be greedy and selfish... and he could have given his leverage, then he could have held out for $15m x 2 and gone for $17m x 2 when the cap goes up in a couple years.

What would the Leafs do if he just held firm on that demand? Let arguably the most talented player in club history walk into UFA for nothing? Pay this insane amount? He could have put the team to a very tough choice...

He did not bring the team to its knees... compared to the above he left $11 million on the table over 4 years. The contract is pretty fair and reasonable for the team considering where the leverage lay...

Yes, what a favor he did Toronto by not putting a gun to our head for a $15m x 2 year contract.

He’s a real saint…

Get real.

Seriously, these kinds of posts make you wonder if people want Cups in Toronto or just individual players to get as rich as possible.

Are things going poorly with Matthews?

A player 1 year removed from back to back Rocket trophies and who scored 40 goals on what was a really poor production year, but one where he improved in other areas away from the puck.

Are things that bad with him that people have no qualms with accusing him of being:

Selfish
Greedy
Content with not winning
Afraid of commitment
Unwilling to put his body on the line


I could see how someone could be sour on a Manoah who was sent down to Christie Pits and throw for the Maple Leafs, but what is the source of vitriol for someone who still led the team in goals this past year?

Matthews is so hard done by here.

I think we should definitely compare him to other persecuted Toronto legends like Lyle Overbay, Marco Scuturo, and Pavel Kubina for sure.

 

[Larcos_Unal]

Ok Auston, you got paid, you're the NHL record setter for highest contract....all well and good, now we need 50 goals and a 100 points minimum over the next few years.

A little playoff success wouldn't kill you but you know, do what you can lol

 

[hfman]

Ok Auston, you got paid, you're the NHL record setter for highest contract....all well and good, now we need 50 goals and a 100 points minimum over the next few years.

A little playoff success wouldn't kill you but you know, do what you can lol

I still think some of these players are crazy

They have a chance here to lock in for what, 120 million over 8 years...... but that's not good enough? Apparently not, because you know, 170-ish million career earnings so far isn't enough, it's gotta be 185 million

You can take 120 million over 8 years guaranteed right now today... or turn it down, take 55 and hope for another 80 million 4 years from now.... I know what I'd take, I'd take the 120 because an extra 15 million ain't worth the risk. Injury? A drop in numbers? Family issues? Other factors? Absolute madness that players would turn down 120 right now for the sake of a few extra mil in comparison later on that isn't guaranteed at all.. total madness, what are they thinking

The Leafs win this one hands down, and they can move on from this guy if he hits the skids

One thing is for sure, he'd better work his @SS off for the next 4 years in a row if he has any hope of this working out in his favour. 50 goals each season if he wants an equal or bigger payday 4 years from now. Otherwise he just blew a boatload of cash. Madness.

 

[Sypher04]

ESPN recently put out a series of player projections for the NHL season and in terms of points leaders, there's a puzzling omission within their top-10 in Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews.

Recently crowned the highest paid athlete in the sport - though his new contract doesn't kick in until the next year - Matthews was omitted from a top-10 list that includes the usual suspects in Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Nathan MacKinnon. However, included in the mix that missed out in 2022-23 are Jack Hughes and Mitch Marner.

McDavid is supposed to pace the league with 148 points, followed by his running mate in Draisaitl with 129 pionts. Next, per ESPN's projections is Elias Pettersson, who they have rounding out the top-3 with 116 points. After that it's Matthew Tkachuk (112), Jason Robertson (108), Jack Hughes (107), Nikita Kucherov (107), Nathan MacKinnon (106), David Pastrnak (105), and Mitch Marner (102).

Matthews posted 106 points just two seasons ago. The only possible reason Matthews was left off of the list is due to health concerns. Matthews battled multiple injuries last season, including injuries to his wrist, knee and back/oblique.

I’ve always thought sports publications predicting injuries/missed games in their forecasts is beyond stupid

 

[Legion34]

Over the first 8 years of each contract(s) (using historical actuals and the next 3 years projections)

Mc David's 8 years would avg. 14.9%
Linked. You
Matthews 5+3 would avg 14.3%

But Matthews signed for an extra year. Term and salary are linked. To do this you would need to somehow figure out what Matthews AAV would be on 3 years.

 

[leafs in five]

I didn't know who any of those people were until I googled them.

obviously you're not a golfer

but really the fact that these were insignificant players on mediocre teams is what made the booing so insane. just clueless scattershot vitriol based on vague name recognition. which is obviously a bit different from the cap hit percentage greed coefficient calculus stuff in here but not entirely different. in my opinion

 

[Bomber0104]

I’ve always thought sports publications predicting injuries/missed games in their forecasts is beyond stupid

I agree. Anyone predicting Mrazek and Murray would spend most of the year injured with us was beyond stupid.

 

[Sypher04]

I agree. Anyone predicting Mrazek and Murray would spend most of the year injured with us was beyond stupid.

Even chronically injured players have healthy seasons all the time. Predicting injuries and guessing how many games a player will play in an upcoming season is nonsense and based on precisely nothing tangible.

 

[Bomber0104]

Even chronically injured players have healthy seasons all the time. Predicting injuries and guessing how many games a player will play in an upcoming season is nonsense and based on precisely nothing tangible.

So everyone who accurately predicted Murray and Mrazek would be hurt most of the year for the Leafs just happened to be, for lack of a better word…prophetic?

There were plenty of people here.

They were “beyond stupid” though by using these players track records of injury history to predict further ones, as you say.

You probably have Malkin down for a 90 point season this year

Guys like you who think injury risk doesn’t exist are exactly the guys who you want in your NFL or NHL pools to donate their money away…

 

[notbias]

So everyone who accurately predicted Murray and Mrazek would be hurt most of the year for the Leafs just happened to be, for lack of a better word…prophetic?

There were plenty of people here.

They were “beyond stupid” though by using these players track records of injury history to predict further ones, as you say.

You probably have Malkin down for a 90 point season this year

Guys like you who think injury risk doesn’t exist are exactly the guys who you want in your NFL or NHL pools to donate their money away…

Malkin literally just played a full season, great example.

 

[Racer88]

I agree. Anyone predicting Mrazek and Murray would spend most of the year injured with us was beyond stupid.

Ya who didn’t see that coming. Lol

 

[Hellcat]

Seriously, these kinds of posts make you wonder if people want Cups in Toronto or just individual players to get as rich as possible..

So say he takes 1 mill less, Marner takes 1 mill less and Nylander takes 1 mil less, is that 3 mil really the difference between winning a cup and not? You typically don't find difference makers at 3 mil. Say Marner and Matthews take 2 mill less and Nylander takes 1,5 mil less, that equates to Bertuzzi's contract, is Bertuzzi the missing link? C'mon now.

It's not Mattys job to manage the cap, the onus is not on him to build a SC roster. That is the GM's job. Would it have been nice for Matty to sign a 7 mil per contract, absolutely but not realistic. For him to sign an 11 or 12 mil contract, that does nothing in terms of giving us more cap flexibility.

For our top 3 to sign a team friendly contract low enough to make a tangible difference, it would have to be so comically low that it makes no sense.

 

[leafs in five]

Malkin literally just played a full season, great example.

lmao

83 points is p close to 90

 

[thewave]

So say he takes 1 mill less, Marner takes 1 mill less and Nylander takes 1 mil less, is that 3 mil really the difference between winning a cup and not? You typically don't find difference makers at 3 mil. Say Marner and Matthews take 2 mill less and Nylander takes 1,5 mil less, that equates to Bertuzzi's contract, is Bertuzzi the missing link? C'mon now.

It's not Mattys job to manage the cap, the onus is not on him to build a SC roster. That is the GM's job. Would it have been nice for Matty to sign a 7 mil per contract, absolutely but not realistic. For him to sign an 11 or 12 mil contract, that does nothing in terms of giving us more cap flexibility.

For our top 3 to sign a team friendly contract low enough to make a tangible difference, it would have to be so comically low that it makes no sense.

We would be looking 4-5m in savings and yes that can mean a cup.

Instead of a bunch of 1.5m plugs you can have 3 3m plugs. Lets face it 3m plugs are generally way more effective. It could also be the difference of 3 older 4-5m players willing to come here for 3m but not 1.5m.

So yes it can mean a cup

 

[Sypher04]

So everyone who accurately predicted Murray and Mrazek would be hurt most of the year for the Leafs just happened to be, for lack of a better word…prophetic?

There were plenty of people here.

They were “beyond stupid” though by using these players track records of injury history to predict further ones, as you say.

You probably have Malkin down for a 90 point season this year

Guys like you who think injury risk doesn’t exist are exactly the guys who you want in your NFL or NHL pools to donate their money away…

I’ve never once claimed injury risk doesn’t exist. Pointing out a few guys for whom it’s more likely they would get injured doesn’t change the overall point I am making. Every year we see publications release forecasts with guys who are not even that “injury prone” predicted to miss games, sometimes many. For the majority of hockey players, year to year, time lost to injury isn’t predictable.

 

[Nineteen67]

So say he takes 1 mill less, Marner takes 1 mill less and Nylander takes 1 mil less, is that 3 mil really the difference between winning a cup and not? You typically don't find difference makers at 3 mil. Say Marner and Matthews take 2 mill less and Nylander takes 1,5 mil less, that equates to Bertuzzi's contract, is Bertuzzi the missing link? C'mon now.

It's not Mattys job to manage the cap, the onus is not on him to build a SC roster. That is the GM's job. Would it have been nice for Matty to sign a 7 mil per contract, absolutely but not realistic. For him to sign an 11 or 12 mil contract, that does nothing in terms of giving us more cap flexibility.

For our top 3 to sign a team friendly contract low enough to make a tangible difference, it would have to be so comically low that it makes no sense.

Typically you don’t want to pay your 2nd line like they’re a first line at the expense of your D. They have redundancy at forward and they’re going into their 8th year without a #1 D.

And it’s top 4 not top 3…

 

[Mess]

So say he takes 1 mill less, Marner takes 1 mill less and Nylander takes 1 mil less, is that 3 mil really the difference between winning a cup and not? You typically don't find difference makers at 3 mil. Say Marner and Matthews take 2 mill less and Nylander takes 1,5 mil less, that equates to Bertuzzi's contract, is Bertuzzi the missing link? C'mon now.

It's not Mattys job to manage the cap, the onus is not on him to build a SC roster. That is the GM's job. Would it have been nice for Matty to sign a 7 mil per contract, absolutely but not realistic. For him to sign an 11 or 12 mil contract, that does nothing in terms of giving us more cap flexibility.

For our top 3 to sign a team friendly contract low enough to make a tangible difference, it would have to be so comically low that it makes no sense.

Would you like a real life example to prove you wrong?

Lets start with a little history lesson before Marner signed.

Marner and Point were both coming out of their ELC contracts together with similar points and about to sign bridge deals to sell off their RFA years.

Marner signs first.

Brayden Point signs 2nd 10 days later.

The difference in Cap Hit between Marner and Point was $4,153,000 mil.

Point lead the 2019-20 and 2020-21 playoffs in goals scored

Tampa Bay won 2 X and the difference between in Marner and Point was that $4 mil

PS. Remember how TB with that extra cap space was able to add a player like Nick Paul at TD to their playoff line-up and remember game #7 vs Leafs.