Editor In Leaf
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In Reality the Toronto Maple Leafs “Big Four” Are Underpaid

By Stephen Nixon

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 7: William Nylander #88 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates his gaol against the St. Louis Blues with teammate Auston Matthews #34 during the second period at the Scotiabank Arena on October 7, 2019 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Sousa/NHLI via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 7: William Nylander #88 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates his gaol against the St. Louis Blues with teammate Auston Matthews #34 during the second period at the Scotiabank Arena on October 7, 2019 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Sousa/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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Toronto Maple Leafs
SAN JOSE, CA – JANUARY 26: Auston Matthews #34 and John Tavares #91 of the Toronto Maple Leafs.. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Auston Matthews

Salary: $11.634 Million

Comparable Salary: Artemi Panarin  – $11.642 Million

Matthews is worth every penny and should be getting more. If it wasn’t for Connor McDavid taking a “pay-cut” to stay in Edmonton, Matthews could have argued for at least $12 million per season.

With 47 goals in 70 games this year, Matthews was on his way to 50-plus and had a chance at the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy. What makes those goals even more special is that 35 have came 5v5, which leads the entire NHL.

Based off age, skill and potential, Matthews is arguably the best goal-scorer in the entire league.

The NHL is a lot different than the NBA, where players get max contracts all the time, so in a world where Matthews can make up to $15.9 million per season, it’s actually kind of sad that he’s only making $11.634 million.

Locked in until the 2023-24 season, even at a high price, this contract will feel like a bargain when it’s over.

John Tavares

Salary: $11 million

Comparable Salary: Drew Doughty – $11 million

Prior to signing in Toronto, Tavares was making $5.5 million per season as the captain of the New York Islanders.

In that time-frame, he made the NHL All-Star team every year and was nominated for the Hart Trophy once. In his entire career, he’s never once scored less than 20-goals and is averaging 0.94 points per game.

Maybe it’s because of his personality and un-flashy game, but Tavares is one of the most reliable NHL superstars over the past decade and deserves every penny of that contract.

In comparison dollars, many believe that Drew Doughty is no longer an elite defenseman and he has seven years (!) left after this season at $11 million per season.

With five years left, there’s no reason why Tavares won’t score between 25-35 goals and have 75-85 points, whereas Doughty could be out of the league.

Even if Tavares isn’t lifting the Stanley Cup with Toronto, this contract is fine, as you’re paying for great past performance and continuing success which you can relay on from Tavares.

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