Auston Matthews, has unveiled his aspirations for the road ahead with the Leafs.
The 2022 Hart Trophy laureate, who's set to hit the free agency market in the upcoming season, expressed his commitment to the Leafs, given that they can strike a mutually beneficial agreement.
Matthews Drops a Big Hint on His Future With the Toronto Maple Leafs
Matthews, in his post-season press conference, reiterated his fondness for Toronto, expressing optimism about a potential contract extension.
Matthews boasted an impressive record of 60 goals and 106 points during the 2021-22 season, earning him the prestigious Hart Trophy. Although his performance dipped slightly in the following season, he still racked up 40 goals and 85 points.
Matthews signed a five-year extension with the Leafs during the 2019-20 season, setting him up to be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 23-24 season. William Nylander, another integral piece of the Leafs' puzzle, is also slated to hit the free agency market at the end of 2024.
The Leafs' history with Nylander's extension, which wasn't finalized until the 2018 signing deadline, serves as a cautionary tale. The team will undoubtedly aim to avoid similar issues this time around.
Despite whispers of Matthews becoming a free agent, with rumors even linking him to his hometown team, the Arizona Coyotes, it's evident that Matthews' heart remains with Toronto, provided the pieces fall into place.