The Toronto Maple Leafs are heading into the new NHL season with Auston Matthews still under contract for two more years. The captain will make $13.25 million a year for the rest of his deal, buying Toronto some time before he can test the market as a free agent.Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka has admitted the team is eager to keep Matthews beyond his current contract. But it doesn’t sound like an extension is the front office’s priority right now, with the team focused on getting the upcoming campaign up and running first.
John Chayka discusses Auston Matthews Toronto Maple Leafs extension
The Toronto Maple Leafs have time to get Auston Matthews’ contract situation sorted out, and they are not rushing negotiations, John Chayka says.Matthews could be an unrestricted free agent when his deal ends. That timeline has made his long-term future one of the big storylines around the Toronto franchise, especially since he is the captain and one of the premier goal-scorers in the league.There were about 10 months before the situation became more critical, giving the agency plenty of time to work with Matthews and his representatives, Chayka said.The Maple Leafs seem to be comfortable with where they are with Matthews and his camp. Chayka stressed that discussions can happen when the time is right, rather than being a distraction before the regular season starts.
Auston Matthews remains focused on Maple Leafs success
Matthews’ priorities also seem to match up well with Toronto’s short-term goals. Chayka said his talks with the captain were about what’s best for the organization, not the front office needing to convince him of its direction.That relationship could prove important as Toronto seeks to bounce back from missing the postseason. Matthews has already hit plenty of personal milestones and an Olympic gold medal, but the ultimate unfinished business is to win the Stanley Cup with the Maple Leafs.The larger conversation about Matthews and Toronto could be greatly impacted by the coming season. A big campaign would help show the franchise is headed in the right direction with its captain in the middle.Matthews will also be expected to lead an offence that can get the team back to the playoffs. Of course, the club’s overall results, as well as his performance, could influence future conversations about the franchise’s long-term direction.For the moment, Chayka’s message is simple. The Toronto Maple Leafs want Matthews to stay with the organization, but there is no indication that an extension has to be done immediately. The most important thing is to win games first, and the contract business will be there when the time is right.Toronto Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka has spoken about Auston Matthews’ potential contract extension, saying there is no urgency to hammer out a deal. Matthews has two years remaining on his current deal but is more concerned with team success. The franchise is looking to make a return to the playoffs and hopes to keep hold of their captain.
