With Auston Matthews set to be a free agent in 2028, the Maple Leafs have a leg up on the competition in signing him, as the new CBA's new rules come into effect.
Lots of chatter this offseason has centred around Auston Matthews' future with the Maple Leafs. First, there were some reservations about whether he would stick around with serious changes, but some good luck and solid signings have since turned his confidence around.
But they are going to be running on limited time with him due to his contract being up in 2028, so the next two years are going to be absolutely imperative for them to not only become competitive right away, but also find themselves better prepared for a long postseason push.
When Matthews' contract comes up however, there is going to be a dogfight for him no doubt. We heard reports the Los Angeles Kings are preparing for a huge free agent splash come 2028 with Matthews, Connor McDavid or even Zach Werenski available to be signed if they head to the open market.
The new CBA quietly hands Toronto a major advantage in keeping Auston Matthews
Toronto has to do a lot to convince him to stay, and though these next two seasons have a lot to do with it, so too does the financial and personal security of having a long-term deal with serious money.
Which is where this plays perfectly into Toronto's hands, and they have the new CBA to thank for it.
New rules and restrictions in the CBA allow players to be re-signed by their current club for a maximum of seven years, meanwhile other teams looking to sign potential free agents can only offer a maximum of a six-year pact.
The rule kicks in on September 16th, 2026 which is why we were able to see Darren Raddysh signed for eight years as opposed to just getting the max of seven that the previous CBA rules allowed for.
That means that Toronto has the chance to offer an additional year on an extension which could give Matthews another potentially massive payday. He makes $13.25-million per year now, and with how much contracts have grown over the last two years, he'll be looking towards at least $18-million (the same as Leo Carlsson).
Matthews can earn way more signing in Toronto even if his AAV comes out lower than expected
If that's the case, and teams are offering five or six-year deals worth $20-million, the Maple Leafs can tell Matthews that the AAV is going to be lower, but we'll stack your years and give you much more security long-term.
Even signing Matthews at a higher rate than Carlsson but <$20-million is going to give him more money regardless unless someone seriously overpays. Matthews signed his last deal for $53-million. Obviously that's growing, but if we even pay him $5.5-million more (for a total of $18.75-million) it's a huge increase.
Matthews could earn a maximum of $131.25-million if he signs a seven-year extension worth $18.75-million whereas if he signed for $20-million on a six-year deal, he only makes $120-million. $11.25-million is not a small chunk of change, not to mention another year of endorsements and other incentives.
That's certainly worth it if he's able to come back to form and be that dominant force while also being able to step up when it matters and have a team built to win.
One successful season could change his entire perspective, and the more hope you can give him it'll work; the more he may be willing to stay.
It's not going to fun watching the open market if Auston Matthews heads there, but if Toronto plays their cards right they could keep their captain - and he'll make ludicrous money.
Seems like a win-win to me.
Do the Maple Leafs have a chance of re-signing Auston Matthews when his contract expires?
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