Now free from the potential distractions of a contract that was set to expire at the end of the season, Auston Matthews has everything he needs to shine in the 2023-24 season: health and a contract extension.
During the Toronto Maple Leafs’ first game of the season on Wednesday against the Montreal Canadiens, the American scored a hat trick, including the equalizer at the end of the game. Based on this initial performance, he seems to be on the right track for the future.
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“This is what you need from your best players when the game seems to be getting out of hand for us,” Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe said after the 6-5 shootout win, according to the Toronto Sun newspaper. It’s good for him that he started the season like this and it’s great for us too.”
One thing is certain: Matthews’ teammates have confidence in him.
“It’s impressive to see him up close every day at practice,” Leafs newcomer Noah Gregor said. We see what he does in a match. He is a special player.
In 2022–23, Matthews suffered from a hand injury that appeared to hamper him, despite recording 85 points in 74 games. However, we are a long way from the 60 goals and 106 points that he collected in one less game last season.
New contract in hand
Last August, the American signed a four-year contract extension worth an average of $13.25 million, which will come into effect between 2024 and 2025. Matthews could have become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
“I think it was important for him,” said Toronto team captain John Tavares. I think he’s excited to lead this team to where we want to go.”
There were several rumors circulating about him playing for the Coyotes over the summer while he was still free agency, since he’s originally from Arizona. Regardless of a trade or contract buyout, which would be quite surprising for the former first-over pick, he will be wearing the Maple Leaf for at least the next five seasons.
Matthews and the Maple Leafs will play the second game of their season on Saturday night when they host the Minnesota Wild.