A couple of days ago, I wrote a post talking about a potential short-term deal being the sole focus of Auston Matthews during his next contract extension negotiations with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The speculation sparked a somewhat heated discussion between Brian Hayes and Mike Johson on TSN OverDrive and Hayes was annoyed that only Matthews was upholding his right to negotiate a better situation with the Leafs. Meanwhile, Johnson argued that Matthews had the right to do so.
Related: Tension mounts as Matthews deal rumored to jam the Maple Leafs
Since that debate, more and more Leafs analysts have joined the conversation, including Steve Dangle, Adam Wylde, and Jesse Blake. From the SDPN Podcast. Wild argued that he would be fine with Matthews signing a two- or three-year deal, while Dangle and Blake nearly blow a gasket over the idea that the Leafs would even consider letting him do it.
What I’ve found interesting about this debate is how many fans are starting to get hostile towards the player and leaning toward the idea of trading Matthews. In fact, the comments section of that article I wrote was so inundated that it was time for the Maple Leafs to move on.
Fans are turning to Auston Matthews
If what’s out there is accurate – and we don’t know that to be the case – if Matthews isn’t willing to put in terms of a deal before July 1, that he’s only willing to sign a short-term extension, and that he wants to be the highest paid player in the NHL – then it’s no wonder that Fans turn on him. Holding onto a short-term deal and then negotiating a new one when the salary cap jumps puts the Maple Leafs in an uncomfortable position.
As of this writing, there have been over 340 comments on the article, ‘Tension mounts as Matthews deal rumored to jam the Maple Leafs’, many of which call for the Leafs to trade in Matthews. In fact, many of the readers who took the time to respond to the post share the same opinion as Hayes, Dangle, and Blake: that the organization should not tolerate leverage and that a short-term deal is out of the question. Blake made the exaggerated statement, “If Matthews signs a two-year deal, you sell the franchise.” Dangle replied, “Just give every player what they want, that’s how you run a successful business.” He added, “How can I justify this position?!”
Some of the comments show fans worried
While many will concede that there is a lot to like about Matthews, it’s clear that some fans are starting to get worried. Ron writes: “Matthews has been treated so well in Toronto financially and playfully; what has he achieved and given back, one NHL first round win? My view would be to trade Matthews before July 1, 2023, when he and his agent have 100% of the leverage.” The financial and potentially future of the Leafs franchise is at risk.” Still dwelling on the idea that Toronto needs to get the ball in their court, Bighammer27 wrote, “I totally agree with Hayes, I know we’d be a better team in the playoffs without him and spend money on good players the size and grit and nail of a d-man. Sometimes you have to Be bold, now is the time for the Leafs. Or more than that.”
Longtimeleaffan writes:
“I’ll trade Matthews now! Whenever he’s out of the lineup, the Leafs have continued to win their fair share of games. The Leafs can pick three decent playoff players and still have cap space left to do something else. The team is made up of 23 players. It couldn’t get past the second round.” With a good support staff. So… trade it now!”
Another reader who signed in as a guest only wrote:
Matthews. Soft as butter in the midday sun. But they are as tough as nails on the negotiating table. If he was as concerned about the Leafs’ success as he was about his bloated bank account, the team might have already won a cup by now. trade it. fast. Because, on July 1st, the Leafs will have absolutely no leverage and can risk losing everything they could get in a man deal.
Some fans are growing animosity towards Matthews
If those earlier comments weren’t enough to show fans concern, there are plenty. And when it came to the topic of Matthews becoming the highest-paid player in the NHL, fans just didn’t have it. The truth is certainly that Matthews is the best NHLer that will go on for a long time, but many fans in Toronto seem to feel it would be crazy for the Leafs to go there.
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Bob wrote, “If Matthews deserves it then [Connor] McDavid deserves triple that Matthews needs a spoiled wake-up call for an overrated player and that’s my opinion.” Dougels wrote, “What do you think Matthews’ numbers will look like? Will it be worth $14 million+ a year? Let’s face it. It’s not Connor. Somehow. I have no confidence that this guy is truly committed to the Leafs. I think time will tell.”
Noting that it’s not just Matthews that the Leafs might have to worry about, and perhaps this selfish mentality is the consensus around the big stars, Kanaclehead added, “That’s why I find it hard to cheer Matthews and [Mitch] Marner, money seems to be the most important thing. And is there much difference between making 180 million and 200 million (for the sake of argument)? This money can be used to improve the team.
Starboy argued, “… freeze his salary now or let him go. He’s a scorer, not necessarily a winner. The media should stop making him the greatest!”
At what point is reputation important?
In fairness, there were some comments that supported Matthews and his right to play the hand he was dealt in his previous contract. So too, there is no denying Matthews’ talent; He is a great player who should be paid like a great player. But, the longer this goes on and more fans and analysts start to add to the narrative, at what point does this situation get out of hand? There seems to be a line here and Matthews is perilously close to crossing it.
Whether that’s accurate or not, even if he does sign a long-term deal, there may come a point where fans decide Matthews is a certain kind of player, and he’s all about himself. That’s a lot to live up to when you’re making the kind of money Matthews is about to make and the team still hasn’t won yet.