Promising development In Matthews contract talks for the Maple Leafs.

Good sign for the Maple Leafs.

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HockeyFeed
Published 5 years ago
Promising development In Matthews contract talks for the Maple Leafs.
Del Mecum/CSM/Zuma

The Toronto Maple Leafs may be getting very close to signing their most recognizable player.

The Maple Leafs have reportedly been engaged in relatively serious contract talks as of late when it comes to a potential extension for superstar forward Auston Matthews. Matthews is of course not only the organizations most marketable player but is also arguably their most talented and there has been a large expectation for some time now that his next deal could set the bar when it comes to the 2019 free agent market in the National Hockey League. In spite of the fact that Matthews is unquestionably one of the organization's most valuable commodities there has been a lot of back and forth regarding his next deal.

Unlike some of the superstars that have signed contracts in recent years it seems like the Leafs and Matthews have been headed towards a shorter term deal, reportedly somewhere in the neighborhood of 5 to 6 years, but in spite of that reports have suggested that the conversation is moving forward. Well we may now have news that is a sign that things are going very well indeed, and perhaps even a sign that suggests both sides are on the verge of closing in on an agreement.

According to a report from TSN National Hockey League insider Pierre LeBrun there is now an indication that Judd Moldaver, the agent for Auston Matthews, will be in Toronto at some point during the coming week. Additionally LeBrun writes that "presumably" the purpose of Moldaver's visit to the city is to continue talks with the Toronot Maple Leafs and Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas. The fact that Moldaver is making the visit in person would appear to suggest that the two sides are drawing very close to finalizing a deal here, however there was an indication from LeBrun suggesting that there still remains some work to be done on this current deal.

LeBrun is also reporting that this continues to look like it will be a contract extensions somewhere in the neighborhood of 5 to 6 years although he did add "if both sides can get it done over the next few weeks." This is perhaps an indication that if the deal is not finalized prior to the NHL trade deadline, not that Matthews would ever be traded, that the Leafs may hunker down and look at something more substantial in the summer.

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