Leafs fans are falling for the oldest trick in hockey and the Auston Matthews panic proves it
Photo credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
Sorry Maple Leafs fans, if you're frustrated about Auston Matthews - you're being played. Every NHL team has the same anxiety, so try not to get too caught up in it.
Auston Matthews holds all the cards given he has full trade protection and controls where his future lies. John Chayka and the Maple Leafs have yet to hear his demands and time is running out. Fans are concerned that only two names are consistently saying the same thing but it's all simply a way to stir up controversy.
For weeks we've heard back and forth discussions over the status of Auston Matthews. He was fully on board with changes, but wanted to see legitimate action. Fast forward to a couple weeks later and he was nearly out the door due to unhappiness. We haven't gotten a clear answer and without a face-to-face meeting, we're left wondering.
Fans are getting a bit concerned about the lack of priority their captain is getting and with time running down to figure out a game plan that is suitable enough for him and make the team competitive; his job's getting pretty tough.
Every NHL team deals with this same leverage play. The front office knows it even if the fanbase may not
But in holding all the leverage, Matthews has been just doing simply what every single NHL team has to deal with at one point in time. Stars eventually come and go, but the ones who are sticking around long-term usually tend to have to decide whether to cash in or stay loyal.
Steven Stamkos is a perfect example. It was rumoured for weeks he was leaving Tampa Bay in 2016 and even had a discussion in place to potentially come to Toronto. However at the very last second, he re-upped with the Lightning and stayed there. It was a leverage ploy to get more money and drive the urgency up in Tampa's front office.
Matthews is doing the exact same thing. By waiting for Chayka to make the first move, he's watching to see if he truly is becoming a priority or an afterthought. It was reported that the team wanted to figure out Brandon Pridham's future first before talking to Matthews. Well, he's gone now, so there's no real hold up.
You can't even hire a coach without his consent and input, so the more sitting around that Chayka does, the worse it's going to be when he finally sits down with Matthews.
Matthews' full trade protection until 2028 means he controls his fate, but so does every other star in Toronto
Let's just call a spade a spade; Toronto royally messed up with how much protection they gave everyone. When the Core Four needed to re-up on their contracts, it was deemed a necessity for the Maple Leafs to make sure they didn't go anywhere.
While they didn't anticipate a last-place finish this past year, it was their unwavering confidence that no matter what happens, the team is competitive. It's not.
Matthews along with John Tavares, Morgan Rielly, William Nylander and Max Domi all have either full or heavy trade protection. That accounts for about half of Toronto's entire cap spread throughout five players who really can't be easily moved.
If no team wants Morgan Rielly, it's going to be a nightmare which is why it's so important to talk to him about where he wants to go and if he is willing to waive his protection. But if he feels comfortable and wants to stay (as is his right); Chayka can't do anything.
Obviously you want to make sure the players on your team aren't able to just be dealt away like candy to other teams and the trade protection is meant to give them a measure of job security. You've made a home here, and we want you to stay.
But when the time comes when players like Auston Matthews can basically hold the entire offseason hostage until he gets what he wants, fans can't be frustrated with him; nor can Chayka.
He's just playing the long game, and it's a tried and true tactic in the world of professional sports.
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