Auston Matthews returned to practice and nearly took part in a full session. The question is how much longer? The Toronto Maple Leafs announced on X Friday morning [https://x.com/MapleLeafs/status/1875219190329852270] that defenseman Philippe Myers has signed a two-year, $1.7 million contract extension with the organization carrying an average annual value (AAV) of $850,000. Myers was one of six Maple Leafs eligible to sign a contract extension as the calendar reached January 1. As per the NHL's collective bargaining agreement, players on one-year contracts became able to sign an extension for the 2025-26 season and beyond beginning on that date. And General Manager Brad Treliving wasted no time. The 27-year-old signed with the organization in the offseason on a one-year, $775,000 contract and immediately made a strong impression on head coach Craig Berube. Listed at 6-foot-5, 219 pounds, the defenseman has fit the Leafs’ system seamlessly on the blueline through a physical process while maintaining the best fitness results on the team. In December, Berube identified what he liked about Myers and highlighted what stood out to him about his playstyle giving his full assessment. “He's been good. I think he's come in and he's done the job,” Berube explained. “He's moved pucks, just being simple, used his shot really well. I think that's the strength of his game is his shot. “ “Moving the puck and just giving it to the right person. Making simple plays and he's defended well, he's a big guy and he takes the body and used him on a penalty kill,” he added. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNe_lzlpRwM[/embed] Myers began the season as a healthy scratch for the first eight games but has recently emerged as a valuable depth option on the Maple Leafs’ blue line. Extending Myers secures a player who has delivered dependable minutes and strong defensive performance during his tenure in Toronto. The price for Myers comes at appreciable value for a time riding tightly to the cap and seeking consistency on the blue line. The Moncton, New Brunswick native has appeared in 11 games for the Maple Leafs this season and recorded two assists, while averaging 17:08 of ice time. Myers has skated in 185 regular and postseason games for the Philadelphia Flyers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/], Nashville Predators [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/], Tampa Bay Lightning [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/], and Leafs, scoring 11 goals, 31 assists, and 42 points. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjExNjM5NDEwNTc4NDM0MDI0/googlenews.svg] Stay updated with the most interesting Maple Leafs stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwytvfCA?ceid=CA:en&oc=3] to never miss a story.
