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Toronto Maple Leafs: Tavares Makes Matthews Cheaper

By Wilbert Timmermans

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 28: John Tavares #91 of the New York Islanders and Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skate during the 2018 Honda NHL All-Star Game between the Atlantic Division and the Metropolitan Divison at Amalie Arena on January 28, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 28: John Tavares #91 of the New York Islanders and Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skate during the 2018 Honda NHL All-Star Game between the Atlantic Division and the Metropolitan Divison at Amalie Arena on January 28, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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With the signing of the new Toronto Maple Leafs forward, John Tavares, it is likely Auston Matthews will be cheaper to sign.

Toronto Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas has been a busy man thus far this offseason. Likely he will get even busier as the offseason progresses. While the Leafs Nation is still buzzing over the Tavares signing, Dubas mind has surely shifted towards a Matthews extension ever since.

With the addition of John Tavares to the Toronto Maple Leafs roster, it’s likely Auston Matthews can be signed for less than expected. Before you think I’m crazy, which I likely might be, hear me out first.

I’m not saying Matthews will be signed to a lesser contract. Hell no. I just firmly believe that without Tavares, Matthews would be more expensive to sign.

That even sounds illogical in my head, let me explain!

Auston Matthews vs. John Tavares

John Tavares is a point per game player in potential. He has proven in multiple seasons being able to reach that plateau when surrounded by the right players. Assuming Tavares is paired with either William Nylander or Mitch Marner, proving this as a Toronto Maple Leaf shouldn’t be a problem.

Auston Matthews has the potential to be even more than just a point per game player. He easily has the potential to score over 100 points in a season, scoring over 50 goals per season. How unbelievably exciting is it being able to debate who centre’s the first line? Luxury problems, one I don’t mind having.

Right, we all knew that. Matthews and Tavares are both élite players, so what? So why would that make Matthews cheaper now that Tavares is a Maple Leaf?

Every player wants to win

Every player wants to win, no exception. Without that need-driven mindset, it’s likely a prospect never makes it to the NHL. Auston Matthews is no exception, he’s a winner. It’s likely Matthews already realized he was part of something special. Playing on a team that has the likes of Marner and Nylander and were able to convince big names like Mike Babcock and Patrick Marleau to join that team.

Now even John Tavares joined Toronto. No doubt that Matthews understands his biggest chance to get his name engraved forever on the Stanly Cup is right here in Toronto. He remains the absolute star of the team, but no longer the only star standing lonely atop of the mountain.

My prediction is he will sign an 8-year extension averaging 11.5 million per year. How’s that cheaper you say?

Next: The Trade Value of Every Leafs Player

Simple, I would not have been surprised if his contract would pain Toronto’s salary cap more than that. Though I don’t exclude the possibility his contract will be lower in AVV but build of multiple bonus constructions.

Fact is, Auston Matthews will be a Toronto Maple Leaf for many years to come.

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