BREAKING: Friedman Confirms Term for Auston Matthews' Extension in Toronto

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman has confirmed that both sides want to get a long-term extension finished up.

Matthews Wants Long Term Extension

The Toronto Maple Leafs' number one priority for this offseason is to sign Auston Matthews. The Leafs have pursued an extension with Matthews.

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman recently said this on the 32 Thoughts podcast regarding Matthews.




The term being 8 years is crucial. With Matthews signed for 8 years, the Leafs will keep their superstar for as long as possible. Friedman also says that both sides know that this needs to happen sooner rather than later so we can expect Matthews' extension relatively soon.

Matthews had a down year with only 40 goals and 85 points after a year with many injuries and is hoping for a bounce-back year next year.

Contract Projection

If it is a long-term deal, it will certainly be the most expensive in NHL history. It could be a $110 million deal over the course of 8 years with a lot of signing bonus money and a $13.75 million AAV.

Similar to Matthew Tkachuk's contract, we could see Matthews have a base salary of $1 million and the rest come as signing bonuses. This would make the contract near buyout proof but would ensure it is as lucrative as possible for the player.

Year 1: $1 million salary/ $15 million signing bonus
Year 2: $1 million salary/ $15 million signing bonus
Year 3: $1 million salary/ $15 million signing bonus
Year 4: $1 million salary/ $13 million signing bonus
Year 5: $1 million salary/ $13 million signing bonus
Year 6: $1 million salary/ $13 million signing bonus
Year 7: $1 million salary/ $9 million signing bonus
Year 8: $1 million salary/ $9 million signing bonus