No. 2: Matthews Won’t Sign Extension This Summer
If you’re Auston Matthews, and you lose again, why in the world would you choose to stay in Toronto when you can test free agency and play anywhere you want?
It’s clear that Matthews loves playing in Toronto but at what point, do you say enough is enough? This is arguably the best team he’s played on in his career, so if they can’t get it done with this roster, why would we expect them to do it another year?
This hasn’t been talked about a lot lately, but Matthews definitely won’t want to sign his extension after another first round exit, but instead would choose to wait until the summer of 2024 to make a decision.
This reality is the biggest reason why the Leafs need to win against the Tampa Bay Lightning. IF Matthews can help get this team over the hump, he will turn into a God in Toronto, so that will tremendously help the chances of him wanting to re-sign here.
However, if Toronto fails again, don’t expect him to sign an extension this summer.