Eklund: Does How The Leafs Do Affect Auston Matthews Decision to Stay? Buzz@2

He's going to leave when he becomes a UFA. Marleau will talk him into coming to San Jose to play with Bedard and become the new core and leader the sharks need

Leafs to win a round this year. Book it.

Mentioning Matthews being ultra competitive and then saying he wants to play in Arizona just doesn’t add up.

A1 click bait

-Retired ref

Leafs to win a golf round this year. Book it.
- LordHumungous

I agree, this is their year

Unfortunately for leaf fans it’s going to be another tough year!

He's going to leave when he becomes a UFA. Marleau will talk him into coming to San Jose to play with Bedard and become the new core and leader the sharks need
- diabeticmik3

Bettman will be gifting Bedard to Chicago as he rebuilds his legacy teams, NY and Chicago the last few years.

Matthews has been in Toronto long enough to know that it's the center of the hockey universe. He can make allot of money on the side, commercials, endorsements, etc. His buddies still play with the Leafs and the likes of Justin Beiber hanging around is also an enticement. Could he leave? Sure. Problem is, the contenders for the Cup can't afford him and the lower ranked teams would hamper his ability to get to the Cup. He's positioned here to become the greatest Leaf in club history. That's a tall order for any hockey player going forward. If he wants to go home, then he's not serious to winning a Stanley Cup. Arizona is a money pit for the NHL and they live on revenue sharing. Not a great enticement.

If Arizona offers Matthews a part ownership in the Coyotes how could the Leafs match that.
Face facts that after next season Matthews is gone from Toronto.

OH the poor Leafs , in the tough division in hockey. Let's look back , Weren't the Leafs in that Canadian Division during COvid . And what happened they got smoked in the first round by the HABS. NO team has won the cup with a player making over 10 million, on it's roster , The Leafs have 3 players ! The money balance on this team is all off. During the playoffs your number 1 players is a Healthy number 1 goalie and back up .

Disagree Leafs are a top 3 team. Very good but more around a top 6. Cannot see Matthews wanting to bolt for Arizona. Unless he wants to coast into retirement. He’ll be resigned for 8/max$$$. The Rags will always be sniffing around to sign marquis players. LAK will be the biggest competition.

If Arizona offers Matthews a part ownership in the Coyotes how could the Leafs match that.
Face facts that after next season Matthews is gone from Toronto.
- islansjet

Just like those facts that JT was never leaving the NYI? Lol

He will be an LA King pre deadline next year.

OH the poor Leafs , in the tough division in hockey. Let's look back , Weren't the Leafs in that Canadian Division during COvid . And what happened they got smoked in the first round by the HABS. NO team has won the cup with a player making over 10 million, on it's roster , The Leafs have 3 players ! The money balance on this team is all off. During the playoffs your number 1 players is a Healthy number 1 goalie and back up .
- Ging72

You have an exaggerated interpretation of “they got smoked”.

Jim Kelly went to 4 Super Bowls. Matthews hasn't sniffed the 2nd round...

You have an exaggerated interpretation of “they got smoked”.
- rSole

he was referring to smoking a blunt with a leafs on the paper

He will be an LA King pre deadline next year.
- jackolat

Leafs will ride out his contract

Unfortunately for leaf fans it’s going to be another tough year!
- Bobd62

aren't they all

OH the poor Leafs , in the tough division in hockey. Let's look back , Weren't the Leafs in that Canadian Division during COvid . And what happened they got smoked in the first round by the HABS. NO team has won the cup with a player making over 10 million, on it's roster , The Leafs have 3 players ! The money balance on this team is all off. During the playoffs your number 1 players is a Healthy number 1 goalie and back up .
- Ging72

Are you sure? I just can’t believe that bud! So you’re telling me that in the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s that there were no Cup winning team that paid players 10M? I don’t believe that.

Oooh this is deep and new.
Cant wait to read the indepth replies to this.

If Arizona offers Matthews a part ownership in the Coyotes how could the Leafs match that.
Face facts that after next season Matthews is gone from Toronto.
- islansjet

So Matthews is going to a team in order to increase his debt???

Matthews has been in Toronto long enough to know that it's the center of the hockey universe. He can make allot of money on the side, commercials, endorsements, etc. His buddies still play with the Leafs and the likes of Justin Beiber hanging around is also an enticement. Could he leave? Sure. Problem is, the contenders for the Cup can't afford him and the lower ranked teams would hamper his ability to get to the Cup. He's positioned here to become the greatest Leaf in club history. That's a tall order for any hockey player going forward. If he wants to go home, then he's not serious to winning a Stanley Cup. Arizona is a money pit for the NHL and they live on revenue sharing. Not a great enticement.
- PrinceLH

He probably won't go to AZ. Although what better way to lure FAs there other than the offer to play with Matthews? I'm sure they'd offer him a max deal.

He probably won't go to AZ. Although what better way to lure FAs there other than the offer to play with Matthews? I'm sure they'd offer him a max deal.
- jmatchett383

He can get an 8 year deal from the Leafs. If he signs elsewhere, it's only 7.

I hate saying this as a Sens fan, but i think the Leafs will roll over the lightning this year. Tampa looks tired already, they have played 60+ playoff games since 2019 (yes I know a few shortened seasons). Toronto wants it and desperately needs it so much more than Tampa. You can see the frustration boiling over in the last 3-4 games for the lightning. I dont think they will have the gas to keep up after the first 2 games. It will all depend on goaltending of course though.