Why Auston Matthews Will Re-Sign With the Toronto Maple Leafs
By Jeff Borsuk
Matthew Knies
Leafs rookie Matthew Knies has already shared that he looks up Matthews. Both men are from Arizona playing in a different country.
Being a mentor to the budding star may be a responsibility Matthews takes seriously.
Looking after Knies on its own won’t be enough to keep Matthews but it may just be one more thought that creeps to mind while the superstar is evaluating his options.
Fear of the Unknown
There will be a lot of people around Matthews whispering in his ear.
With so many wanting a piece of what he has to offer, it will be difficult knowing who to trust. Venturing away from the only NHL club Matthews has been with, could invoke some anxiety or fear.
To cope, he may just choose to stay put.
Sway with Management
Matthews knows that during negotiations he holds all the cards. Every team in the league will want his services, and for good reason. He’s a game changer. This helps him gain a larger voice in the organization and its direction.
As part of the negotiation process, Matthews could make structural organizational demands. That could be anything from changes to coaching personnel to executives to which players to target for acquisition. That kind of juice may be exactly what Matthews is after.
Next. Players Leafs May Draft in 2023. dark
Take a breath and relax Leafs fans. You’ll get to enjoy the magic on ice that Matthews brings every night.