John Tavares' reaction to Auston Matthews deal says it all

One massive matter of business has been taken care of by the Toronto Maple Leafs and new general manager Brad Treliving with the inking of Auston Matthews to a four-year contract extension.

"I feel fortunate to continue this journey as a Maple Leaf in front of the best fans in hockey,'' Matthews announced on social media after the deal became official. "I will do everything I can to help get us to the top of the mountain.'' 

And for captain John Tavares, the news couldn't have been more welcome. 

"Hearing that news, it doesn't get better than that for us here in Toronto and our fan base," he said. "I know how much he loves it here ... really wanting to be here and continue to build and see this through."

The "this" through that Tavares is referring to is surely winning more than one postseason series, something that they were able to finally accomplish this past spring over the rival Tampa Bay Lightning. 

Speaking of contracts, Tavares is going to be needing a new deal of his own before too long. His seven year contact that he signed (from former GM Kyle Dubas) expires in 2025, two years from now. And of course, William Nylander is a pending free agent, though all indications seem to point toward the two sides being unable to work something out for a long term extension. 

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