McDavid's Contract Update Raises Questions About Matthews' Future With the Leafs

The talk surrounding Connor McDavid and whether or not he will test free agency next summer has been rampant, with many reports stating that he is going to stick around in Edmonton for the time being at least.

But the question about how much it'll cost and for exactly how long he'll re-sign for is certainly one that has several possibilities, but we won't know until McDavid finally puts pen to paper.

However, for NHL Insider John Shannon, he believes he has an inside track on the situation, and revealed some information that might give Leafs fans an idea of what their own captain will cost come contract time:

There are some who believe that the number might only be a two-year deal, and it seems that the supposed eight-year extension is one that is going to be a long shot if it happens.

But if Shannon is to be believed, what does this mean for the Maple Leafs and Auston Matthews?

We know that Matthews is locked down for the foreseeable future but when his number is up there is going to be a massive salary cap increase, and you know he is going to want to cash in.

For Toronto, the number is likely going to reach in the $20-million range given that McDavid's supposed deal is in the range of $16 or $17-million, and there's no doubt if he can replicate his previous form that he'll have earned that.

But there are certainly questions about whether or not the team is going to get the full Auston Matthews experience or not given he might not be completely healthy to start the season.

Currently, Matthews is making $13.25-million per season, but that number is only going to grow, especially if he can come back strong. It's something Toronto needs to focus on next summer with the slew of top-name free agents, as they can't commit too much without risking a bad offer for their captain.

Since being drafted first overall, Matthews has done everything he can to be the face of the franchise. In 629 games, the Arizona native has 727 points (401 goals, 326 assists) and sits only 20 goals away from the all-time record in Toronto.

But there have been concerns about his playoff production, and it might be a critical factor in determining his legacy when things are said and done, but one good showing can change a lot of opinions.

So for Connor McDavid, he might end up re-signing for a short length at a big price. Which means the Maple Leafs have to keep an eye on what they do, as they might need to follow suit with Auston Matthews.