Matthews seeking a Tavares-like contract?

Last week, Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas said the club was having a “healthy dialogue” regarding a contract extension for centre Auston Matthews.

While some insiders, including Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, have mentioned that an eight-year contract extension seems out the window, it remains to be seen what both sides will agree on as they are still hoping to get it done before the Feb. 25 trade deadline. Dubas obviously would like to lock up Matthews, as well as new linemate Mitch Marner, and as soon as possible and before the start of free agency on July 1st. 

TSN's Bob McKenzie provided an update on the situation on Tuesday night, and it seems like we're getting closer to knowing what Matthews is seeking before he signs on the dotted line... 

"It’s been crickets publicly for Kyle Dubas and the agents for Auston Matthews -  Judd Moldaver and Jeff Jackson – but obviously there’s talks been going [on] behind the scenes and there is reason to believe that they are making some notable progress and there’s a legitimate chance, but by no means a guarantee, that this deal could be done before the NHL trade deadline. Now one of the reasons why it may have picked up steam and the progress is because I don’t believe the seven and eight year contract options are as attractive or as easy to get done as maybe a five or six year deal. And as Darren Dreger and Pierre LeBrun sitting beside me have reported over the past week, the five and six year option looks a lot more enticing for both the Leafs and Matthews at this point. The eight year deal would be up around $12.5M, $13M, $13.5M, that would really handcuff the Toronto Maple Leafs. The shorter five or six year deal, think more along the lines of John Tavares’s $11.5 million, add a half of a million, subtract half a million, in that neighbourhood. So stay tuned between now and the trade deadline."

Matthews has 21 goals and 43 points through 35 games this season. He missed a month of action earlier this year due to a separated shoulder.

Could Matthews be signed up by the Feb. 25 trade deadline, or sooner? While we don't have a specific time table, we all know you'll be keeping a close eye on this.