Phew! The anxious fanbase of the Toronto Maple Leafs can rest easy. Superstar centre Auston Matthews has agreed to a new contract extension.
With Matthews’ signature on the deal, Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving has just completed his most important offseason task.
A huge potential distraction is now eliminated before the Leafs season even starts. Matthews can now proceed to training camp and focus solely on getting ready for the season.
Best of all, this is a deal that is optimal for both the team and the player. Both the player and the organization found a common ground that has the potential to set the team up for at least four more years of being a championship contender.
Auston Matthews Extension Can Change Culture of the Toronto maple Leafs
The word “culture” is rather ambiguous. It is hard to pinpoint exactly what is meant by it. One thing is certain, however. The Leafs have a history of paying top dollar for their core players while other contenders around the league sign their stars to team-friendly deals.
Credit Matthews for signing a contract that is team-friendly. His new deal will allow the Leafs flexibility moving forward.
His new contract has a league-high AAV of $13.25 million. While that may seem high now, it is a moving target. Superstars in any league will always set a precedent for record contracts. It will only be the highest until the next megastar needs a new deal.
With the salary cap likely to increase over the term of this contract, Matthews’ new deal will age like a fine wine. It will look much better three or four years into the future.
By not being greedy or selfish, Matthews has enabled the Leafs to further strengthen the team around him. When the salary cap rises, his AAV will take up a smaller percentage of the cap. Money can then be spent elsewhere.
Most importantly, Matthew has set an example for his teammates to follow. He has shown his peers his willingness to sacrifice some money for the benefit of the team.
William Nylander and Mitch Marner will hopefully notice this and do something similar when it is time to extend them. Nylander already seems to be in a good place with his contract talks.
Matthews has taken a page out of the Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes playbook to sign a deal that helps the organization surround him with more talent.
The Toronto Maple Leafs Also Help Matthews With This Deal
The Leafs locked up their most important player for four more years, but this deal also benefits Matthews.
The Leafs would have preferred to lock Matthews up for the eight-year maximum deal allowed under the CBA. By agreeing to four years, Matthews has the potential to hit free agency once again during his prime years.
Should Matthews continue with his top-level play, he will have the opportunity to once again hit free agency. By then, the NHL salary cap with have increased once again and he can cash in again.
The Toronto Maple Leafs should be ecstatic with this deal. They have their best player locked up for a minimum of five more years at, what will be, a very reasonable price.
Credit should also go to Treliving. In a very short time, he has convinced his most important player to commit for another four years. He spent a lot of time in discussions with Matthews and the player must have liked what he heard.
In turn, Matthews has sent a message to his teammates. Let’s do what is needed to bring this team a title.
This is a great deal for both team and the player. Rejoice, Leafs Nation. The Auston Matthews extension is the first step in keeping this team a contender.