Leafs fans finally got to exhale on Wednesday when Auston Matthews announced a contract extension with the club on Twitter. The Hockey News breaks down the details.
Auston Matthews silenced the anxiety and the "Matthews is bolting for Arizona in 2024" online with a single tweet. After a summer filled with speculation, one the NHL's best goal scorers agreed to a 4-year contract extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs through his age 30 season.
Predictably, the contract includes the trade protection commiserate with a superstar. Matthews will control his destiny and destination, like many star players. The 4-year deal kicks in for the 2024-25 season when the cap is expected to rise significantly, which bodes well for the Leafs who have William Nylander and Mitch Marner contracts to negotiate.
The work isn't done for Brad Treliving, but this was his most important piece of business to take care of. The front office and fan base can breathe easy knowing they won't have to replace an elite goal scorer any time soon.