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Insider reveals why Matthews' extension took so long to be finalized

Insider reveals why Matthews' extension took so long to be finalized

BY RYAN SMITHERAM    AUGUST 23, 2023  (5:51 PM)
The wait is finally over. Auston Matthews and the Toronto Maple Leafs came together on a mega-deal on Wednesday that will see the 25-year-old become the highest paid player in the NHL when his new deal kicks in - that is unless an even bigger deal is announced between now and then.

Matthews' new contract is a landmark extension for the one-time 60-goal scorer. Matthews and the Leafs agreed to a 4-year extension that will pay him $13.25M. While Leaf fans are over the moon with Matthews signing, Daily FaceOffs' Frank Seravalli revealed that Matthews' camp did not want to sign for longer than four years. Seravalli also revealed that the Leafs were pushing to sign him to a lengthier extension which is likely why the extension took so long to be completed.

Matthews will be returning to Toronto shortly to join the rest of his teammates for some informal skates before training camp begins in the middle of September. With a full summer of training and no rehab from surgery, Matthews will look to reach the 60-goal mark for the second time in his career and eclipse the 100-point plateau once again.



DO YOU THINK THE LEAFS GOT ENOUGH YEARS OUT OF AUSTON MATTHEWS TO WARRANT A $13.25M PRICE TAG?
AUGUST 23      451 ANSWERS
YES28863.9 %
NO16336.1 %
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