Where could Matthews land if not the Leafs? | OverDrive

Bryan Hayes, Jeff O’Neill and Jamie McLennan are joined by ESPN Hockey analyst Ray Ferraro to discuss what Auston Matthews’ next deal could look like and which team would be a perfect fit if the Maple Leafs decide to move on from him.

[@ripapa6355]

Could someone explain why Austin Matthews should be the highest paid player in the NHL?

[@MoonAtomic7]

This is what happens when salary cap goes up. Players get paid higher. The same percentage, 13-16% of cap these superstars request goes up in salary year after year. First it was McDavid. Then MacKinnon. Now Matthews. Then it’s gonna be Draisaitl and so on. Someone will leap frog the other. Also for the sake of players association, you can’t have such a tight salary gap between great and good players. You eventually need to move the needle and whoever is up for new contract gets to decide the market. If they want to? If they want to win a cup, take discount l, go for it, but these players can’t get paid 11 mil forever if the cap keeps going up. NTM, in the NFL, Kirk cousins was at one point highest paid QB. This is normal. It’s 1000% debatable Matthews case why should he get paid more but this is all part of the game.

[@jonathanlegthigh8264]

It's spelled "Auston." He's sooooooooo special.

[@ripapa6355]

@MoonAtomic7 thanks, i wasn't even thinking about it like that. Great answer

[@probert2436]

Agreed, other than salary cap increasing, i also don't see a reason for him being number 1, 2 or even 5

[@mbellamy19]

@@MoonAtomic7 Bingo. Nailed it. It's all about whose contract is next to expire.

[@ozzydo2314]

Mathews finished 22nd in league scoring and has proved time and time again that he can't raise his game come playoff time.

[@dylanstudley8445]

in a down year that's pretty fucking good

[@ronbonora7872]

@@dylanstudley8445 he has not won nil in the playoffs

[@stevegriffiths8906]

@@dylanstudley8445 Really? Not if you are banging the drum of "I need to be the highest paid player in the league"! I thinjk Ozzy is right, this cabal has been fairly iimpressive during the regular season for years now, and completely and utterly out to lunch during the playoffs. Matthews couldn't het the net if he was standing inside it, and Marner doodles around the ice like a figure skater...until he loses possetion again. Here's an idea: conduct a thorough investigation of the S C winners over the past 10 years and do an autopsy with the goal of figuring out the magic therein. I'll bet my left testacle you won't find 4 players eating up half of club he salary cap. My point? Forget that these 4 are fantastic players. I say, lose two of those guys and spend that 24 million on gritty, gutsy players who aren't as talented, but their not primadonnas either.

[@lpquagmire3621]

Only the Leafs could justify making Matthews the highest-paid player in the game.

[@dylanstudley8445]

@@stevegriffiths8906 That was stirring.

[@user-ub1gz8lx8c]

Can someone explain how Matthews who did literally nothing in the playoffs is such a hot commodity?

[@chuckd262]

He can get teams into the playoffs, Leafs is just cursed

[@erikmartin4996]

He’s not. These people are just suckers. He’s the greatest choker of all time

[@LC-ht7sg]

It's the magic of the 70's porn moustache.

[@5ayes12]

This is insane 13--14 mil for a player who hasn't delivered in the playoffs trade him or the leafs will be locked in this not enough good D and average goalies cycle

[@songsarelife99]

Agree...look at Vegas for that...

[@KillJoy323]

If you see the effort in the elimination games from mcdavid and matthews, its ridiculous. You'd think matthews doesn't even care.

[@jcoats5529]

Totally insane

[@jorgen5786]

I would not pay over 10 mil for a player period. I rather build a team with no superstars but with a lot of solid players like Seattle, Vegas or Carolina have.

[@TaylorsTypicalLife]

@@jorgen5786 You think Jack Eichel and Sebastian Aho aren't superstars?

[@9danielman]

Wow, don't know how Matthews is gonna live with 12m a year instead of 14

[@povertyspec9651]

More trips to McDonald's instead of Chick-Fil-A

[@jimmydesanta1363]

hes gay, he will buy another purse 🤣🤣🤣

[@DavidSmith-fw3if]

Cashmere, diamond encrusted man purses aren't cheap!

[@jarryd8167]

Would you turn down an extra two million a year?

[@9danielman]

@@jarryd8167 Obviously not. But if I'm the Leafs GM and he's demanding 13-14 m, I say no way. Still rich as hell making 12m/year is my point

[@heaner11]

Not saying I want Matthews to leave but if he happened to, getting back a couple young solid forwards, a stud D and be able to re-sign O'Reilly as your 1st/2nd line centre, re-sign Schenn, would be pretty great. Plus, buyout Murray and have money for a third line centre. It shows time and time again that having an elite core taking up most of the cap doesn't always equal success. Goes back to Chicago after the Toews/Kane monster contracts. Look at what the Kraken have done this year without true elite players in only their second year.

[@thobur2661]

Tavares needs to go , he's done nothing for them and is a terrible captain. I loved the moves Dubas made at the deadline and would do all i could to keep those players. Signing Tavares was a huge mistake in more ways than one.

[@pjpredhomme7699]

already have a 3rd line center - he makes $11 mil /yr

[@dwightlahay3363]

I think Matthews is a great player, awesome scorer and has really improved on his defence. If he can play a bit harder and play as heavy as he is, he would deserve every penny. Until then, he is just a scorer. No more than 11.5-12 million a year. He needs to prove to everyone he has passion and wants to win. Leave a bit on the table for a few others

[@nottherocketman]

He's a great player in the regular season, but he doesn't have the will to win that will lead to playoff success. In any sport, go look at the truly great players, and the one thing they ALL have, is that they find away to succeed in the face of adversity. None of the big 4 in Toronto have that. They're soft players who don't fight back and are easily bullied. When the playoffs come around, everyone knows that if you punch the Leafs in the face (both literally and metaphorically) THEY WON'T PUNCH BACK. And that's why they lose.

[@pjpredhomme7699]

He's a scorer until April - then he takes time off

[@leafside516]

This isn't the NBA fellas... Matthews isn't telling management who to sign.

[@justbleedprod.9414]

maybe not but it could be a condition. These players are pretty tight knit

[@bigsmickledigle5472]

15 mil a year for matthews thats hysterical 💀 or for anyone maybe mcdavid

[@thebeagles2025]

Send a message to every team in the NHL. They have 48 hours to respond: Make your best offer for Auston Matthews. One time only offers. You will not be asked to change your offer. You will not get a second chance to make a better offer. The Leafs will make a decision after all offers are in....... Or offer him to Chicago for their first overall pick.

[@andrewsutton2266]

Anything over 11 is an overpay. He's already experiencing questionable wrist injuries and if he wants to win then 11 or under is great

[@overhead18]

Teams with a very talented core end up winning the cup or it least threatening to win it when the team leadership stops trying to focus on making the big moves and starts focusing on the boring work of building a solid defense and bottom six. Probably not much fun to talk about on sports shows or to write about in articles.

[@stevegriffiths8906]

Leafs??

[@JR-mo8os]

I would agree but the Leafs core are still featherweights.

[@overhead18]

@@JR-mo8os Lots of folks would have said the same thing about the Caps, for example, in 2014, 15, 16 and 17. People wanted to blow the core up...turns out the core was not the issue. The external pressures are certainly different in the two markets, but the situations on the ice are not all that different.

[@mgriffin4297]

Of course he’s going to say that he wants to be back, he’s still under contract and it’s very rare for a player to come out and demand a trade before their contract ends. I wouldn’t overanalyze this. Side point, I’m a Leafs fan and want him traded this summer.

[@dantebrionesclarke3874]

Who do u want him traded for exactly

[@tyronebiggums69]

Lol he said he wants to sign an extension with Toronto prior to next season.

[@teeflight]

Auston just need a bit more from you in the playoffs but that can be said about everyone besides maybe willy and mo. He's our big #1 Top Center who can drop 60 in the net. Change is needed but this ain't the one boys !

[@dlphcoracl9645]

The question you REALLY should be asking is: "Which NHL GMs are willing to pay Auston Matthews more than $11,000,000. per year?"? , because that is what he is worth. Hopefully, not many.

[@johnnybegood3855]

None of these leaf players looked pissed off in the interviews its like O well next season ,Not even close to the Gilmour Clark Roberts in passion the new players big Dollars no Passion no Grit, Most players on this team could not pick a corner no shooting skills no hitting skills but thye want the big bucks for skating around the regular seasons like Ballerinas.

[@datriaxsondor590]

At this very moment, Rielly, Tavares, Nylander, Marner, and Matthews alone, make up 58.1% of the TML cap. If that percent is gonna go up, after all the draft picks Dubas traded away, then wow, it's gonna suck some major balls to be a Leaf fan in the forthcoming seasons.

[@brianmouland209]

Kyle overpaid ,can he afford Jarry as a compliment to Woll?

[@canadian1445]

Lol Ferraro acting like he's all secretive with LA like people haven't been talking about it for the last 2 years

[@markmacdonald6452]

Kylke Dubas said everything is on the table because he knows his future is on the line if he doesn't do something. The Leaf's can't afford to pay all these guys more $ and still pay for decent support to the "Core 4". I guess everyone is forgetting we got to pay at least 14 more hockey players. Someone has got to go.

[@Tombauer97]

Well Dubas is gone now lol

[@davesway1170]

Why is Matthews value so high? He hasn't been the same since his wrist injury and he needs another 11 million dollar player to feed him the puck. He hasn't excelled in any playoff round to date. Why do the "professionals" value him so high? Because of one 60 goal season?

[@pjpredhomme7699]

He has the ability to do things that not many NHL players can do - I can see that - but the really great ones elevate their games when it matters most -and he doesn't even look interested in that - I do not know the kid - so I hate sayiing that but thats what it looks like - it could be this everyone gets a trophy but it looks like it doesn't matter if he wins or not . and honestly I get the vibe like he would be fine if they lost so long as he scored - he strikes me as that kind of player . I have heard guys talk about Alexei Kovalev - he was maybe the most talented player in the NHL - but he turned it on when he felt like it - was never really into the team . why you don't hear much about him but his potential .

[@JamesHunt16]

Man losing any of the four would suck, I like them all for different reasons. But honestly, there's probably a less expensive combo that can be more effective. I just don't know what it is yet, does anyone?

[@CurtisWithoutHandles]

Lose Tavares, trade Nylander. They could make some significant moves with over 20m in cap. They need to stop losing guys like Hyman too because they carry you in the playoffs.

[@soul76can]

@@CurtisWithoutHandles Tavares currently has a NMC - no movement clause and has said he intends on following through with his full term contract as he loves being a Maple Leaf. Plus, who would take on a 33 year old Tavares for 11M for the next 2 years? Nylander is their current best bang for buck as his current cap hit is just under 7M. Marner has a NMC that kicks in on July 1st.

[@danielpetrucci8952]

​@@CurtisWithoutHandles Taveras cant be move because A. At 33 years old with a contract of 11million for the next 2 years is not attractive to teams not to mention in order for it to work you need a 3 team trade so both can do 50 and 50 retian salary and you need to give those teams picks for eating that money B. Tavares has a NTC which means waving it and Tavares wanting to retire as a leafs is what he wants to do he has a family here so he is not to eager to Travel to another country or city with his son only being 2 years old so like it or not Tavares is stuck here till he hangs up the skates

[@kermitfrog593]

Glad you "like the four," because that's been the point all along. Not to win cups but assemble a core of fan friendly hotshots that keep ML$E happy.

[@Cedisdead]

Losing Tavares would be a godsent

[@lalitsharma1453]

Trade Matthews, get a huge return, build a team that can actually win in the playoffs.

[@casario2808]

Id trade Marner before anyone else

[@ndixon]

Let him play somewhere else. If another team pays him $13M+, great. Sounds like a team I'd love play in the playoffs.

[@cackoocacho1629]

1:17 To hear anyone state that a person who plays a sport for a living should be getting $30M/year, just makes me shake my head in befuddlement. $30M a year, to play a game, and you champion that on. You are part of the problem with humanity.

[@DepthFromAbove]

Nobody likes you.

[@bloodwillrunthestreets5205]

NOBODY in the league should make more money than McDavid... period!

[@jeremyjones9859]

Not even Nathan mackinnon?

[@bloodwillrunthestreets5205]

@@jeremyjones9859 Not imo

[@maxpayne9041]

7 years of this its time to build a winner florida found torontos weakness the core 4 they made it easy for florida to win.

[@justgames8643]

He belongs in Arizona where no one else cares about the cup either. Perfect fit

[@tonychen3368]

I don’t really think that Auston wants to go home, like Kwhai did after he won one chip with the Raps, I just don’t think so.

[@keirpatrick3045]

paying 13 million for Matthews is ridiculous but classic Leafs fans trying to justify that is typical. Way to ruin your Cup chances once again with a contract like that

[@craigharrison5406]

You say that like teams wouldn't line up to pay the most potent goal scorer in the league $13M per. Teams would be tripping over each other to sign Matthews at that money all day.

[@alexburch3421]

@@craigharrison5406 “most potent goal scorer” ≠ “0 goals vs Florida”

[@craigharrison5406]

@@alexburch3421 most goals in the league since 2016...facts

[@alexburch3421]

@@craigharrison5406 So that excuses his abysmal playoff performances? The time when all his “goal scoring prowess” actually means something?

[@craigharrison5406]

@@alexburch3421 He's been a point per game in the last 2 playoffs so not exactly abysmal. You may not know this but points are much harder to come by in the playoffs. 22 goals and 44 points in 50 playoff games isn't that bad. Tkachuk has 12 goals and 31 points in 39 career playoff games.

[@lpquagmire3621]

L.A. or Manhattan seem the most likely; Matthews won't want to relocate to Arizona as long as the Coyotes are playing in a 5,000 seat arena.

[@pjpredhomme7699]

they will be someplace else by next season - that fiasco has to end once and for all. The owners have to tell Bettman enough already its embarrassing

[@robertwells6724]

Let someone else to pay him 15 million. The Canadian media is too much in love with this guy.

[@Landis_Grant]

Auston being an American would love to be traded to a state with no income tax, get plenty of lucrative endorsements, be relatively unknown when out in public, hot sunshine, etc. Florida, Tampa, Dallas, LA, Anaheim, Sharks, etc. He’ll hate Winnipeg, Edmonton, Montreal, Ottawa, Buffalo, Detroit, Minnesota, St. Louis, Islanders.

[@waynekhan3439]

When does Dubas contract expire? after the last game of the season or after the draft?

[@jordanstreib3898]

We're talking AAV McKinnon made 15/16million this year and next and when he's older it drops to 8.9m Matthew's is easily maybe on cap sign 13.5m on 2 yr deal but definitely isn't signing anywhere longer then 4-5yrs when he could be making 17-18m in 6yrs old last contract.

[@jlo2o199]

Thank god hockey salaries are going up. Need to get these guys what they deserve!

[@edannegrin1345]

Whatever the trade is, it won’t be a one-for-one. It’ll be a package with a bunch of guys.

[@tylerjohnson8973]

Matthews to Vancouver for Quinn Hughes and brock boeser

[@tdunph4250]

Look, he's going to demand bigger cash to re-sign. The big picture is, almost ZERO impact in playoffs for his 7 years. Let him play out his last year until the trade deadline and then "Let the bidding begin!!" Enough of this foolishness!

[@navinjohnson9416]

If they intend to trade him they have to do it by July 1st before his "no move" clause.

[@dougbell9543]

We can be absolutely certain that the Leafs are getting inquiries from other teams regarding Austin Matthews. ✔️

[@bikingD]

How is he the highest payed player in the league? He can score that is it. No forecheck, no backcheck, no leadership, no heart, no toughness. He is a one dimensional player. You shut him down which teams have done in playoffs and he is nothing. Actually one step up on Marner he really is useless. Marner should go first.

[@Adam-ug5vu]

Trade Marner. You can not replace a talent like that, especially up the middle. It will be a mistske to trade Matthews

[@gordonbgraham]

Trade Nylander. Marner is better and Nylander will soon want 10M

[@Cedisdead]

Yes he is the problem in that team, he is so weak and scores way to rarely for a +10m player.

[@gordonbgraham]

@@Cedisdead 14pts in 11 games plus 7

[@Cedisdead]

@@gordonbgraham and like 3 goals in 11 games? Also lost every single fight for the puck. Only reason to trade Nylander instead is if he just don't want to sign or because his tradevalue is so much higher then Marners.

[@gordonbgraham]

@@Cedisdead Marner is a playmaker, not a goal scorer. Lost every fight for the puck? Guy, making stuff up to win an argument with a stranger on KZbin is sad. The reason to trade Nylander instead of Marner is because Marner is better than Nylander.

[@ronbonora7872]

Ferraro says "zero percent is pretty low". yes it is Ray! LOL

[@TheManFromDonair]

What's the Bieb saying? He's buddies with Austin Matthews, so he might have some inside information!

[@Dmadman72]

Am I the only one that sees Matthews has no heart and is prone to pouting when things go the wrong way? I just hope my team isn't foolish enough to go after him.

[@charleslabree75]

No show when it counted like why would you pay that amount for a player that doesn't make a difference in the playoffs

[@ewcamaewcama]

Why is it even a discussion. The core 4 has failed!! So why not do the trades, how bad can it be? Not make it pass the 1st round of playoffs

[@TheKitKatThe]

...did you not watch this season?

[@mr8966]

Nobody is more consistently wrong about contracts than Ray.

[@Jaspberryram12]

Quebec Nordics would be a good place for Matthews. He would have a better chance of reaching the second round way before if stayed in toronto

[@mml1224]

id take the older crosby for half that much..........

[@markmacdonald6452]

Do you fools really thing any team can build a winning franchise around Mathews? You guys been smoking too much of something. He's a support player, Crosby made his teams winners, Mathews doesn't show up when the pressure is on..

[@Murphy-hi2vg]

Should trade Austin Matthews for Connor Bernard

[@dh12.]

Contracts should partially be performance based

[@odeszaa]

They literally are. That’s why Mathew’s, mcdavid, & pasta make what they make and fourth liners make what they make.

[@craigharrison5406]

He's the most potent goal scorer since he set foot in the league. Nobody has more goals per game than Matthews wince 2016. 2 Rockets,a Hart and a Calder as well. His performance has been nothing short of elite.

[@dizk8488]

@@craigharrison5406 ..Except in the playoffs when it actually matters

[@jimlangdon1947]

Matthews would do much better in Pittsburgh with Dubas or in Vegas. Dubas said he wouldn’t leave the Leafs either. Matthews & Dubas are cut from the same cloth.

[@gregorybaggio]

I'M NOT A LEAF FAN. GO WINGS. BUT THIS IS TORONTO'S WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY. THEY MUST DO EVERYTHING TO WIN NOW, OTHERWIS, SEE YOU IN 20 YEARS. TORONTO NEEDS TO BECOME THE BEST "DEFENSIVE" TEAM IN THE LEAGUE. THEIR OFFENSIVE TALENT IS ALREADY THERE.

[@kermitfrog593]

Why are you yelling at us? Haven't we suffered enough?

[@gregorybaggio]

@@kermitfrog593 TORONTO FANS ARE DENSE. WE NEED TO YELL TO GET INTELLIGENCE THROUGH YOUR SKULL

[@hockeyhamrin]

Did you watch the playoffs. The problem was the offence....

[@gregorybaggio]

@@hockeyhamrin THE PROBLEM THEIR COMMITMENT TO WIN BATTLES IN THE CORNER. THE PROBLEM WAS ALSO THEIR ABILITY TO BLOCK SHOTS. THEY RANKED LAST AMONG ALL PLAYOFF TEAMS IN BLOCKED SHOTS. THEY DO HAVE A DEFENSIVE PROBLEM.

[@alexx9252]

I AM A LEAFS FAN. I AGREE. OUR TEAM DEFENSE IS NOT THAT GOOD, NO COMMITMENT TO WIN HARD BATTLES

[@David-lp4gd]

He should land with whoever is giving us the most in return.

[@the6ig6adwolf]

GM's should tell players if they don't produce at the same level as Draisaitl they don't get paid more than Draisaitl. That'll fix over-inflated salary issues in the league right quick.

[@joeidaho5938]

Even Drasaitl choked in the last Edmonton series...leading to the demise of Edmonton, once again, this year.

[@rogersalles200]

don`t forget Draisaitl plays in the west division, very weak compared to the east

[@joeidaho5938]

@@rogersalles200 Very true...and Pacific Division was once again the worst division in the NHL this past year.

[@zigfield723]

Wtf are they even talking about?? Matthews just came off a back to reality year, where hes not top ten in league scoring and on a milk carton for the playoffs. For his career he's scored over 80 points only twice!!!! These Toronto media guys are beyond delusional with this player.

[@craigjones8666]

Thank you

[@casecracked8618]

Teams have to win when they got stars are on the cheap…Pens went to 2 cups on the cheap, won one, paid their players and had to wait 4-5 years after paying Malkin, Crosby and Letang to win again…money was tight. Problem with Leafs they all demanded the highest price point…this was the year. They gaffed it.

[@williammacalpine9120]

What about Ovechkin. All those years and only 1 cup despite all the talent with him

[@artbach4136]

can we finish the season we are still playing before we start dreaming what is to come

[@bufford5483]

He might land in the finals of a Stanley Cup playoff, once he leaves the Leafs.

[@NoRoids_JustRage]

Come to Chicago 😊😊 play with Bedard! Let's goo hawks!

[@davidembro3196]

What about 1_1 Mcdavid for austin matthews

[@grantchow13]

He is going to LA Endorsements alone will double his salary It’s close to home He has infinite marketing potential and the spotlight is greater than Toronto/Canada

[@brianmouland209]

Like to see him in Chicago with Bedard,Kane-Toews 2.0?

[@ADCMasta]

Endorsements for kings players is nothing compared to the maple leafs. The kings come behind the Lakers, Dodgers, Rams, and probably even the clippers. The maple leafs come behind nobody in Toronto. Kopitar who’s captain in LA and has been there forever is making 50k in endorsements. Matthews is making over 2 million in Toronto on endorsements. Back up goalies and third liners get 50k endorsements in Toronto

[@RayManzarekRocks]

@@ADCMasta How many local endorsements has Matthews done in his career? Answer: Not many at all.

[@bernardsparr9501]

Matthews wants $13M to $14M/year...and again, it's going to f...k up the cap structure with no valuable depth players!

[@blackrocks8413]

anywhere but Eastern America, or southern America. ok, just sned him to the Ducks

[@tonychen3368]

Does Anaheim need help from Auston?

[@blackrocks8413]

@@tonychen3368 ok, then Arizona. No expectation of winning for now.

[@timnoseworthy4623]

Why on gods green earth should Matthew's nake more than McDavid or Draisaitle?

[@Ghost-ir7yl]

because they are still in contract? his is up. theirs isn't

[@timnoseworthy4623]

@Ghost-ir7yl he's not anywhere near their level from what I've seen. A 40 goal average is not worth like 14 mil/season. Just my opinion

[@CalgaryTitan]

Agents will tell their players like Matthews to go Free Agency and see what the market will pay. All this talk about Mathews signing now is moot.

[@Sweedtrader]

How about Matthews to the Stars, I think that would make sense.

[@ScupaCSGO]

13.434m x 8 yrs, he has all the pull.

[@elomellow1623]

Why the 434?

[@ScupaCSGO]

@@elomellow1623 Players have a thing with their numbers in their contracts for some reason its weird.

[@elomellow1623]

@@ScupaCSGO haha! I guess so!

[@bradbradbury8561]

Matthew's and Murray to Anaheim for the 2nd overall pick and Mason McTavish. Marner to CBJ for the 3rd overall pick and David Jiricek. Resign ROR Accari, Kampf and Schenn. Save the remaining cap to go after the top free agents in 2025.

[@Kurtman88]

Then next year they won't even make the playoffs.

[@audibletapehiss3764]

When someone says, "LA makes so much sense," I always groan. Maybe it makes sense that he'd want to play there, but it makes no sense at all in terms of fitting him into the Kings structure or figuring out a package to send back. I mean, what are you going to do, make Quinton Byfield the centerpiece? That kid has a great future ahead of him, AS LONG AS nobody is expecting him to come in and replace Auston f***ing Matthews. Adrian Kempe is a 40 goal winger, you don't need that and you can't have him. Fiala? Ok. Really? Like, Ray, my man... think this through. The Leafs can't just take a "package" of talent. They would have to get back a number one center, and my Kings can't really provide that. Kopi is still carrying the mail, and he figures to be doing it for awhile. That's why people think the Kings need a new #1, I get that. But it's not gonna be AM, and the Leafs aren't gonna put Phil Danault on their top line. When people talk about LA, they're usually still talking about palm trees and star power, as if the Lombardi era never happened.

[@larry573]

he would be a good fit on a Newfoundland team....

[@michaeldiflumeri5035]

I dont see the leverage? Theyre not young anymore, there is no more projections and the outcomes speak for themselves. I dont see the leverage for any of the core players besides Nylander

[@chimiigwech]

Chicago should offer 1st overall package for him

[@LLoweGovna]

Why? 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️ look I LOVE matthews but bedard will be an undisputed top 5 player in the league by the time he’s 21 or 22

[@barrydimmock5771]

I would easily trade Matthews for a close to equal player who actually shows up for the entire playoffs, not just one round. He aint close to McDavid

[@jamesj6597]

Matthews will not give the Leafs a home town discount.

[@GVH1305]

Peterborough Petes?

[@woah7825]

Paying 10 million or more for a player that is a no show in the playoffs. Just do what vegas, seattle and Florida did balanced lines.

[@mrbiggs36]

Only in this market would there be talk about trading a franchise center in his prime…McDavid doesn’t have a cup either, and unlike Matthews, has missed the playoffs multiple times. Does the Edmonton media say to trade him?

[@kermitfrog593]

Playoff performance is the issue and in that regard you cant compare the two.

[@odoaceroftheneoromanempire7178]

mrbiggs36 Difference being that McDavid shows up in the playoffs. McDavid's scoring actually translates from playoffs to regular season. 75 points in 49 playoff games for McDavid. 44 in 48 playoff games for Matthews and Matthews consistently disappears in big games. 0 goals and 2 points in the 2nd round for Matthews. 5 goals and 10 points in the 2nd round for McDavid. Matthews is the most overrated player in the league. A regular season player only.

[@bryancollins6796]

Let's hope the Leafs don't destroy another talented player. Hope, for his sake, he can escape a team that has no chance of a Stanely Cup while he's a player.

[@gutchmang2430]

Leafs destroyed themselves. Their wonderkid GM signed his stars to horrible contracts

[@bryancollins6796]

Exactly! Don't think Shanahan didn't grant his blessing on every penny of those contracts. Exit him with Dubas.

[@Givy55]

I wouldn't pay him one penny more. He's already overpaid given what he has helped the Leafs achieve which is nothing! Maybe give him a heavy bonus based on playoff performance but no raise during the regular season! If they keep all core 4 players and give them MORE! Then they won't win with that. It'll be worse than it's already been!

[@terrymartin7993]

I'd sign that in a heatbeat...What?!!!!! Jersey seller and individual triumphs ?...the GOAL is to win the cup and this guy doesn't have it and if you cant see that I don't know how you have this job 😢

[@samcareri]

If Matthews doesn't sign he well and up in Pittsburgh with pal dubas and bring Kerfoot and maybe paper mat murray.

[@jjmarz1001]

The core IS TOXIC. They bring their playoff loser mentality on to everyone. They make the entire team SOFT.

[@jimmydesanta1363]

kyle doofis teaches them how to be soft

[@brianmouland209]

JT brought his loser label to the Leafs from the Isles

[@tonychen3368]

@@brianmouland209 Dude our Captain was playing his best hockey in the first round, even if Tampa played a healthy Andrei Ves we still managed to beat them, that took months of hard work, months! We haven’t been able to get past such a crazy talented Florida Panthers team, so unfortunate for us, we couldn’t get it done.

[@ColdToiletSeats]

that fans are toxic not the team lol

[@PeterSdrolias]

This will never happen but imagine the immediate respect Matthews would earn if he took some sort of a pay cut to keep playing in TO!

[@archeredutainment8453]

The only remaining question regarding "anything" Toronto Maple Leafs is; "Sativa" or "Indica"? Once that's decided, then, magically, it all becomes too obvious what needs to happen in Toronto for Toronto to be a Stanley Cup Contender. It becomes... obvious. Try it. Yes, that's right.... spark it up.... take a draw..... , exhale.... and.... and....? That's right, you have now forgotten what you were talking about.... see! Problem solved.

[@davideaston6944]

Matthews and Boeser to Chicago; cut ties while you can, clear some space. enjoy the summer!

[@nochaserchambers]

I've been saying Los Angeles for months now.

[@petesurovic5178]

He wants to win a cup with Connor so i can see him signing with Edm or LA

[@BrandelSaundh-n6c]

What do you think of the maple leafs losing in the playoffs

[@rickymartin875]

It never gets old 🤣😂🤣🍁🍁💙🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡

[@BrandelSaundh-n6c]

@@rickymartin875 what does

[@rickymartin875]

@@BrandelSaundh-n6c Leafs yearly boot from the playoffs always brings me great joy.

[@BrandelSaundh-n6c]

@@rickymartin875 yech yech

[@TheKitKatThe]

@@rickymartin875 true, that joke never gets old! unlike you, ricky, please go take your meds

[@markmott1104]

Ask him straight up what do you want. If he doesn't want to stay trade his ass before his contract Runs Out gets what you can for him because he's being spotty he performs well through the regular season but can't perform in the playoffs. That makes me question his talent his loyalty to the team

[@ninjanunch2769]

He isn't worth that kinda money tho 😂softest dude in the league no heart

[@PeteNice29]

As I always say: anyone is expendable; it's all about the return.

[@teeflight]

Auston just need a bit more from you in the playoffs but that can be said about everyone besides maybe willy and mo. He's our big #1 Top Center who can drop 60 in the net. Change is needed but this ain't the one boys !

[@paulouellette6934]

Give him 50 million a year his the best

[@LeoBond]

ZERO goals in the ENTIRE second round!

[@joeidaho5938]

Don't understand people idolizing Willie. He did nothing in the first series...and then scored a few in the second. The guy turns on and off like a lightbulb...never hits anyone...and only forechecks properly when he feels like it. He's been like that for years now. People just fall in love with his puck handling and finesse. He's as much of a liability as the rest who did not give their all to get a victory. As analysts often say, he plays good hockey for a portion of a period each night...lol....and people get enamoured about it.

[@Cedisdead]

​@@joeidaho5938 everything dangerous was created by Willie he usually had to score the goals all on his own like the last game against Florida. You don't pay him 6.7 for playing defence but he still showed more heart, passion and talent then the three 10+m players together. Maybe that's why?

[@lawrencekirkby3016]

Mathews to Arizona please

[@MrTofy1974]

Matthews should not deserve more than Mcdavid..The guy couldn't even score in the 2nd round. 😂.... He doesn't even deserve double digit money a year. 😂😂😂

[@evannovitzke]

La would be great!

[@merf6667]

Matthews to Montreal for Slafkovsky, Suzuki Anderson, wifi, and a top pick in 24.

[@elomellow1623]

Suzuki is a better playoffs performer

[@merf6667]

@@elomellow1623 totally agree

[@MetalCharlo]

Never in a hundred years. Suzy is actually good in the playoffs.

[@canuckowl]

The anti-Mathews people blow my mind. Someone even suggested getting rid of him and having O'reilly as your first line center. O'reilly and his 30 points. LOL. Mathews is 25 YEARS OLD!! Way too early to give up on him FFS people. Get a grip.

[@timperley69]

He is only 25 and has 300 goals already, back up the brinks truck