Heading into the final year of a 5 year contract that paid him $11.6M annually, Leafs superstar Auston Matthews today answered the question plaguing the direction of the Leafs - is he open to re-signing in Toronto?
Matthews seemed to have a focus on his legacy, and perhaps brand as well, being connected to the biggest stage in the biggest market in the NHL, the Toronto Maple Leafs. After another disappointing postseason result, a focus on breaking the winning drought in Toronto could be a motivation for staying with the Leafs. He'll also likely be re-signed for a raise potentially making him the highest paid player in the NHL.
With this question answered outright, hopefully now both sides are able to strike an extension and proceed with the inevitable re-tooling of their core this offseason. The team's direction begins and ends with a Matthews extension, and will hopefully keep the Leafs competitive for years to come.
