Auston Matthews Makes It Clear He Does Not Want To Retire A Leaf

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James Connelly
July 5, 2023 (8:35 PM)

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Auston Matthews has made it clear that he does not want to retire a Leaf with his contract demands.

Auston Matthews Spites Leafs

Today, NHL insider David Pagnotta gave some valuable NHL updates. Of these updates, a few pertained to the Leafs and their superstar players.

Matthews not being close on an extension and wanting less than max term is very alarming for any Leafs fan. While he had a down year last year, scoring only 40 goals and 85 points, he is still the face of their franchise.

Matthews May Not Be A Franchise Player

Whenever a team has a franchise player, like Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin, Carey Price, or Connor McDavid, the team and the player are quick to have a long term deal signed.

However with Matthews, there was drama surrounding every single contract he has ever signed. His current contract was an ordeal which saw many Toronto fans upset that he would be walked straight to free agency.

Now, with one year left on his contract, it looks like Matthews could leave the Leafs for nothing just 8 years after being picked 1st overall. For comparison, the Oilers still had an asset that stemmed from Nail Yakupov 8 years after he was drafted. Now mind you it was not a good asset, but it was an asset nonetheless.

With Matthews being reluctant to sign long term once again, it proves one thing above all else. He prioritizes his paycheck more than winning. This will prevent him from ever truly becoming one of the greatest of all time due to his inability to put his team and his city before him.

As seen on Hockey Patrol - Major turn of events with Auston Matthews contract negotiations