Report: Auston Matthews Decided to Delay Maple Leafs Contract Signing
PUBLICATION
S. Harper
May 22, 2023 (8:30 PM)
The Toronto Maple Leafs have decided to part ways with General Manager Kyle Dubas after another disappointing end to the Leafs' playoff run. This one stings even more, especially with Leafs superstar Auston Matthews having just one year remaining on his current contract before becoming a pending unrestricted free agent, if he chooses to do so.
Matthews Not Re-signing?
The Leafs have been trying everything to persuade Matthews to re-sign, but according to Elliotte Friedman:
"According to my sources, it doesn't seem likely that Matthews will sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs before July 1st. They will have some significant decisions to make"
- Elliotte Friedman.
What makes this situation concerning for the Leafs is that Matthews will have a full no-movement clause kicking in on July 1st. If he decides not to re-sign, he could follow in the footsteps of John Tavares or Johnny Gaudreau, signing elsewhere as a free agent without the team receiving any return for the player.
Losing Matthews would be a significant blow to the Leafs, especially if he chooses to sign with the Arizona Coyotes next season or any other team that he believes offers a better chance at winning a championship.
Will The Leafs Trade Matthews?
This could lead the Leafs to consider making a blockbuster trade before July 1st if they believe there's a possibility of losing Matthews. Regardless of the outcome, it's going to be an entertaining summer in Toronto.
Credit:Habs Fanatics
|
48 minutes ago | By Chris Gerics Leafs Practice Sees Auston Matthews Update: Major Development |
|
2 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Toronto Maple Leafs Demote Matt Murray After Struggles Against the Capitals |
|
2 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Top Maple Leafs Free Agent Target Unexpectedly Healthy Scratched Sparking Trade Speculation |
|
16 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Brad Treliving and Maple Leafs Defenseman Closing In On Contract Extension, Per Insider |
|
19 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Matt Murray's NHL Career In Jeopardy As Questions Surround His Future Emerge |
|
20 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Toronto Maple Leafs Exposed With Major Weakness Brad Treliving Must Address Immediately |
|
21 hours ago | By Chris Gerics Gary Bettman Faces Backlash Over Alleged Unfair Scheduling Against the Toronto Maple Leafs |
|
23 hours ago | By Chris Gerics NHL Department of Player Safety Issues Verdict For Timo Meier's Suspension |
Previously on HockeyPatrol