The Auston Matthews era in Toronto will continue as the Maple Leafs have extended their superstar center
From the beginning of the offseason, new Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving indicated that re-signing Auston Matthews was his top priority.
On Wednesday, Treliving managed to cross that off his to-do list by inking the franchise center to a four-year extension worth a reported $53 million. The $13.25-million average annual value, which kicks in for the 2024-25 season, is the highest in the NHL.
Toronto was reportedly seeking a maximum-term extension, but the superstar opted for a shorter term. That should give him the opportunity to land one more massive contract. If he’d signed on for eight years, his next chance to cash in would’ve come on the precipice of his age-35 season.
The 25-year-old scored 40 goals and produced 85 points in 74 games in 2022-23 — an outstanding campaign by any reasonable standard, but a step back from a 60-goal performance in 2021-22 that resulted in a Hart Trophy win.
Since Matthews broke into the NHL in 2016-17, he’s scored more goals than any other player (299), collected two Rocket Richard Trophy wins, led the league in even-strength scoring four times, and earned Selke Trophy votes on five occasions.
