better than another Marner article no?

next month mitchy inks in - til then he's on backburner!

It's definitely possible that Matthews bolts after 8 years in the blue and white. I definitely would not fault him for exploring other career opportunities after nearly a decade in one spot.

I would hope that if the Leafs do have the sense that he will be difficult or impossible to extend in January 1st of that 4th season, or that if he plans to test Free Agency, that they would pull the trigger on a trade to bring in a fat return.

That said, even if they don't and he walks as a UFA, the cap relief by that time may enable the Buds to find a serviceable replacement in Free Agency.

That said, Sidney Crosby is Canadian. Sidney Crosby has been the face of the Pens franchise for over a decade. It's hard to imagine him going anywhere. The point is, guys don't always need to play close to home. Some guys make a home where they play. I would not assume that Matthews had any intention signing a 5 year deal just to leave Toronto. It's probably more likely that he settled on a 5 year deal because he wanted another massive deal while still in his prime years.

I guess time will tell.

“None of ya knows what will happen”

“I think he is staying”

So he just said that he has no idea what will happen but proceeds to give an opinion that he will stay.....

“I’m colour blind and there is zero chance I know that that shirt is red but it’s red”
- Atomic Wedgie

This looks oddly familiar.

So full disclosure here: I think he will leave.

There is zero evidence he will stay.

Younger players are different - they have realized that their careers are short, and they need to take care of their own careers and financial futures.

You have your opinion. I have mine.

As we are both guessing at the future, neither of us is "righter or wronger" than the other.
- Atomic Wedgie

with the 8-year deal in their pocket, the leafs are in the best spot to keep him.

but the lure of moving back to the valley of the sun will be strong.

he's signed long-term now. it seems like we should at least wait for 2 more first round exists before going full taxes on this debate.

better than another Marner article no?

next month mitchy inks in - til then he's on backburner!
- Lucas.Neilson

Meh, we are all bored.

What are your thoughts on Burke and his two cents about Matthews?
- Lucas.Neilson

Brian Burke is great on Sportsnet. Almost like he was made to do it.

Only problem is that whenever it comes to the Leafs, you can see/hear a clear change in him. You can tell that it gets more personal and he goes out of his way to be negative about the Leafs.

If Sportsnet banned him from talking about the Leafs, I think he'd be perfect at what he does. Because he's still really good at it.

What we really need to do is get Matthews married to a Toronto gal, and then have Auston get her pregnant.

The no trade in the final year of his contract is terrible. Now you can't get a return unless Matthews agrees on the destination. Give him the C and hope for the best. 5 year window starts now.

Risto and Mittlestadt for matthews
- Tumbleweed

All day long, baby.

It's definitely possible that Matthews bolts after 8 years in the blue and white. I definitely would not fault him for exploring other career opportunities after nearly a decade in one spot.

I would hope that if the Leafs do have the sense that he will be difficult or impossible to extend in January 1st of that 4th season, or that if he plans to test Free Agency, that they would pull the trigger on a trade to bring in a fat return.

That said, even if they don't and he walks as a UFA, the cap relief by that time may enable the Buds to find a serviceable replacement in Free Agency.

That said, Sidney Crosby is Canadian. Sidney Crosby has been the face of the Pens franchise for over a decade. It's hard to imagine him going anywhere. The point is, guys don't always need to play close to home. Some guys make a home where they play. I would not assume that Matthews had any intention signing a 5 year deal just to leave Toronto. It's probably more likely that he settled on a 5 year deal because he wanted another massive deal while still in his prime years.

I guess time will tell.
- Snowman X

Yeah, I think it is reasonable to assume that the 5 years was to offer flexibility and the chance at another big contract while he is still young, not to mention who knows what the next CBA will offer players or teams?

As teams are realizing that signing players to long term deals in their 30's doesn't usually work out, players are adjusting the timing of their contracts.

Brian Burke is great on Sportsnet. Almost like he was made to do it.

Only problem is that whenever it comes to the Leafs, you can see/hear a clear change in him. You can tell that it gets more personal and he goes out of his way to be negative about the Leafs.

If Sportsnet banned him from talking about the Leafs, I think he'd be perfect at what he does. Because he's still really good at it.
- GreatGigInTheSky

I love watching him too, I couldn't imagine playing hockey against him though.

I'm guessing he was a nasty SOB on the ice.

It is legitimate to admit that nobody "knows". In fact, that is the only true statement any of us can make. It is equally legitimate to make a guess or predict what will happen.

You either understand that or you don't. I'm done trying to justify something this basic to you.
- Aetherial

I think it’s a really stupid thing to guess on.....especially when you basically just said you have no idea and can’t predict what will happen. This is a mans decision in 5 years...AM probably doesn’t even know ffs

Whatever man, do what makes you happy I guess.

with the 8-year deal in their pocket, the leafs are in the best spot to keep him.

but the lure of moving back to the valley of the sun will be strong.

he's signed long-term now. it seems like we should at least wait for 2 more first round exists before going full taxes on this debate.
- Tumbleweed

If the Coyotes are still in the valley of the sun in five years...

What we really need to do is get Matthews married to a Toronto gal, and then have Auston get her pregnant.
- Atomic Wedgie

wedgie, i think it's time you take one for the team.

you need to voluntell your wife for the job.

What we really need to do is get Matthews married to a Toronto gal, and then have Auston get her pregnant.
- Atomic Wedgie

Be more fun if I could get her pregnant, I'll take one for the team.

“None of ya knows what will happen”

“I think he is staying”

So he just said that he has no idea what will happen but proceeds to give an opinion that he will stay.....

“I’m colour blind and there is zero chance I know that that shirt is red but it’s red”
- Atomic Wedgie

Yup, you got that right.

Brian Burke is great on Sportsnet. Almost like he was made to do it.

Only problem is that whenever it comes to the Leafs, you can see/hear a clear change in him. You can tell that it gets more personal and he goes out of his way to be negative about the Leafs.

If Sportsnet banned him from talking about the Leafs, I think he'd be perfect at what he does. Because he's still really good at it.
- GreatGigInTheSky

I would like to think this is not true as I have always sort of admired Burke. The problem is, it sure seems like he likes to be negative about the Leafs.

have you posted your feelings on the matter? get inside AM head and post what you see in there
- senstroll

I see nuthin' but bandana's.

I think it’s a really stupid thing to guess on.....especially when you basically just said you have no idea and can’t predict what will happen.

Whatever man, do what makes you happy I guess.
- Santo_44

Ummmmm....aren't you guessing he will stay?

What we really need to do is get Matthews married to a Toronto gal, and then have Auston get her pregnant.
- Atomic Wedgie

This is the best example of how stuff can change

wedgie, i think it's time you take one for the team.

you need to voluntell your wife for the job.
- Tumbleweed

Quick question: are the wives of young millionaire athletes usually attractive?

Be more fun if I could get her pregnant, I'll take one for the team.
- Garnie

You are a true Maypole 'Eafs fan.

If the Coyotes are still in the valley of the sun in five years...
- Atomic Wedgie

lol. yep.

even if they are here, the likely scenario is that they will still be on a year-to-year lease. that uncertainty could be enough to scare him off.

i have hard time seeing him go anywhere else.

as long as dubas doesn't nonis the team up, we should be good.

Quick question: are the wives of young millionaire athletes usually attractive?
- Atomic Wedgie

any of your daughters 18 yet?

Quick question: are the wives of young millionaire athletes usually attractive?
- Atomic Wedgie

*sends link to Mrs Wedgie*