[mod] The leafs have 3 arbitration cases to deal with, the final coming in mid Auf. First thing that needs to be done is find out what results from those. Second- I have no doubt that there are calls being made by Lou as it pertains to bring in another nhl ready body, takes time to see how that shakes out. Third- toronto doesn't have a bevy of cap space currently (as ltir cannot be used over the offseason). Matthews will get a max elc, and while base is <1m, the performance bonuses he will undoubtedly get will get factored against the cap next yr as bonus overages (dead money is not something that the leafs are going to continue with in perpetuity). There is also the issue of 'too many hens in the henhouse', so to speak- with bozak, laich, Kadri, (though it's been discussed to move them to wing) marner and Nylander. It's not unreasonable to think that it'll take until early September, prior to exhibition games but after training camp opens that his contract gets done. At that point in time the team that expects to get iced for opening day will have shaken out. In the meantime, Matthews will have free reign to Toronto's world-class training and performance center, discuss endorsement deals, become familiar with some of his teammates, figure out where he's going to live- if it's not with one of the guys on the team, and familiarize himself with his new home city. There is plenty to be done for Lou and auston before the season begins, the contract will be signed when both sides are ready.
