Shane Down reveals his role in Auston Matthews’ contract negotiations

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. The Maple Leafs made that even cleared when on Thursday, they hired former NHL forward Shane Doan as special advisor to the general manager. He had taken a position with the Coyotes as chief hockey development officer in January 2021 but stepped away from the job in September 2022.

The thing is Doan and Matthews go way back. On Friday in his press conference, the longtime Arizona Coyotes captain talked about their friendship.

“I enjoy and admire him. The way he’s handled himself has been incredible and we have a great relationship.”

It quickly lead to Doan’s role when it comes to sitting down with Matthews and get talks of an extension underway. This is what Doan was willing to share:

“If I can help in that area then yeah, I’ll help.”

Matthews is an Arizona native who grew up rooting for Doan’s Coyotes teams. He will surely like to hear his idol’s input in his contract situation and the future of the Maple Leafs.

On July 1st, Matthews’ no-move clause kicks in on his existing contract. The ideal scenario for both sides would be for the Maple Leafs to know where Matthews stands before that date.

Doan might be able to find that out as his first mission in Toronto.

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