Auston Matthews finally gives a straight answer on whether he wants to stay or leave Toronto
PUBLICATION
Liam
May 15, 2023 (12:51)
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?
At the end of season media availability, Matthews emphatically committed to trying to work an extension with the Maple Leafs.
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.
POLL |
MAI 15 | 1117 ANSWERS Auston Matthews finally gives a straight answer on whether he wants to stay or leave Toronto Do you like Matthews plan to re-sign? |
Yes | 488 | 43.7 % |
No | 218 | 19.5 % |
He needs to go | 293 | 26.2 % |
Lock him up for life | 118 | 10.6 % |
List of polls |
|
52 minutes ago | By Tom Banks New York Islanders Sign One Of The Top College Free Agents |
|
11 hours ago | By Tom Banks MSG Erupts as Fans Call For Peter Laviolette's Job After Another New York Rangers Loss |
|
13 hours ago | By Graham Montgomery Canadian NHL teams Reportedly Ask Permission to Stop Playing National Anthems Before Games |
|
15 hours ago | By Tom Banks Columbus Blue Jackets Player Names Son After Johnny Gaudreau In Heartfelt Tribute |
|
16 hours ago | By Tom Banks Washington Capitals Star Shares How Shocked He Was By The Contract Offered To Him |
|
18 hours ago | By Graham Montgomery Utah HC Announces Special Deal for Their Fans with New Streaming Service |
|
19 hours ago | By Tom Banks Peter Laviolette Under Fire for Scratching Recently Acquired Defenseman |
|
21 hours ago | By Tom Banks Logan Stankoven Reacts To Shocking Trade After GM Jim Nill Promised He Was Untouchable |
Previously on Bladeofsteel