Huge update in Auston Matthews’ future in Toronto as Brad Treliving meets him in Arizona!

One of the priorities in Toronto is to get Auston Matthews under contract as he can be signed to a new deal by the Maple Leafs as soon as July 1. That’s one of the priorities new GM Brad Treliving mentioned as part of his busy summer. He got major help earlier this week when the Maple Leafs hired former NHL forward and Matthews’ idol Shane Doan as special advisor to the general manager.

On Thursday, insider Chris Johnston shared a significant update on Matthews’ contract situation when he revealed that Treliving made a trip to Arizona earlier this week.

The meeting wasn’t about Matthews’ contract. The star forward can be signed to a new contract by the Leafs as soon as July 1 and the belief is that Matthews wants to get it done, but Treliving instead met with his superstar to share his vision for the team’s future. Nonetheless, Johnston emphasized that a contract extension for Matthews with the Leafs is almost guaranteed.

There is no more hints on money or term when it comes to the extension that could be offered to Matthews. Many insiders anticipate that an extension could result in Matthews having the highest cap hit in the league, possibly within the $13 million to $15 million range. Currently, Colorado Avalanche’s Nathan MacKinnon is at $12.6 million per season, while Edmonton Oilers’ Connor McDavid earns $12.5 million.

While Treliving would prefer to secure a lengthy extension as soon as possible, there is still time as Matthews enters the last year remaining on his current contract, carrying an $11.64 million cap hit. On July 1st, his no-move clause kicks in on his existing contract as well. The ideal scenario for both sides would be for the Maple Leafs to know where Matthews stands before that date.

Matthews may be more tempted to opt for a three to five-year deal instead of the maximum contract length of eight years… it all depends on how Treliving painted the future in Toronto in their meeting in Arizona.

Recommended articles:

• Shane Down reveals his role in Auston Matthews’ contract negotiations
• New plan emerges for the Core Four in Toronto!
• Auston Matthews pulls out of event at the last minute due to situation with Leafs!
• Steven Stamkos reveals the real reason he fought Auston Matthews in the 1st round!
• Insider: Leafs screwed up Auston Matthews negotiations