REPORT: NHL Insider believes Toronto Maple Leafs should make INSANE move with Auston Matthews

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Ryan
March 9, 2023 (12:52)

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When the NHL Draft Lottery gifted the Toronto Maple Leafs with the opportunity to draft Auston Matthews, he was hailed as their savior who would finally break their Stanley Cup curse. However, despite his individual success, Matthews has been unable to lead the Leafs past the first round and towards a Stanley Cup victory.

Matthews signed a 5-year deal with the Maple Leafs worth $11,634,000 per season, surprising fans not with the amount but with the length of the contract. The deal's biggest issue is that it leads Matthews directly to unrestricted free agency, which could devastate Maple Leafs fans if he chooses to leave for another team next season.

On the most recent Cam and Strick Podcast, Andy Strickland addressed this topic.

Could the reigning MVP be on the move this summer? 👀🔥

Comment your teams best offer for Auston Matthews ⬇️💰 pic.twitter.com/wc5SuQMlqR� The Cam & Strick Podcast (@CamandStrick) March 8, 2023

According to Strickland, it's unlikely that Matthews will sign a contract extension this summer, which could result in the Maple Leafs losing him without any tangible gains. While Matthews may desire to be the highest paid player in the league, Strickland is uncertain whether this will happen.

Strickland speculates that Matthews may take a similar path to that of his close friend, Matthew Tkachuk. If Matthews does intend to leave this summer, it could come at a steep price that many teams may be unwilling to pay. Nonetheless, do the Maple Leafs have any other alternatives?