Auston Matthews Feels a Contract Extension With Maple Leafs Will Come: My Intention Is To Be Here
Auston Matthews is confident a contract extension can be reached with the Toronto Maple Leafs. But as far as who else will be around is “up in the air”.
Auston Matthews wants to remain a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The star forward expressed his love for Toronto at the team’s season-ending media availability on Monday.
"My intention is to be here. I've reciprocated before how much I enjoy playing here and what it means to me, the organization and my teammates."
Matthews is eligible to sign a contract extension on July 1. At the same time, his no-move clause kicks in on his existing contract. An ideal scenario for both sides would be for Toronto to know where Matthews stands before that date.
"It's important and I think that will all work itself out in due time and just kind of go from there," Matthews said.
The Maple Leafs advanced to the second round for the first time in 19 years during the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Following the high of defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning in six games, Toronto crashed and burned in the second round, falling to the underdog Florida Panthers in five games.
The disappointing nature of Toronto's defeat has put everything in question for the Maple Leafs. Do they run it back with the same core? Will management and the coaching staff be brought back?
"I'm not sure. The sense is that everything is up in the air," Matthews said. "I don't want to get into the stuff that is out of my control and I can't really comment on that."
Matthews won the Hart Trophy during the 2021-22 season after a 60-goal season but struggled to find the back of the net at the same pace last season. He dealt with a hand injury all through the regular season and admitted he was dealing with "bumps and bruises" during the postseason.
"It's my job to push through that," he said.
An offseason to rest what was bothering him this season should be his top priority. Even in a down year, Matthews scored 40 goals this season.
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