The first priority for the new GM Maple Leafs is to re-sign Austin Mathews
Terry Kochan from the Toronto SunThe Toronto Maple Leafs’ new general manager has an extensive to-do list when he’s hired, Kochan writes. The interview process is long, but the first and last priority is Re-signing Auston Matthews.
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The Maple Leafs have the ability to re-sign Matthews to a new contract starting July 1st. This also happens to be the day the immobility clause begins. If Matthews re-signs with the Maple Leafs, he will spend the prime of his career in Toronto.
In a perfect world, Matthews’ contract would easily be extended. The Maple Leafs hold one of the leading scorers and their first place for a long time. However, with so much uncertainty, Matthews is more of a question mark than ever. But that doesn’t mean it still can’t be done. It will only take work.
There’s a lot of work to do before July 1 because the Maple Leafs can’t let Matthews walk into free agency without making a decision on whether or not he wants to stay.
Maple leaves have a John Tavares The problem that needs to be fixed
Toronto star Nick KypriosOne of the biggest mistakes former Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas made was hiring John Tavares, Kypreos writes. It drastically changed the Maple Leafs’ fortune but added tremendous pressure on this team to win.
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In addition, after Matthews, Mitch MarnerAnd Tavares f William Nylander The salary restriction prevented the Maple Leafs from addressing other areas of need. And while Tavares has been a fine addition to the Maple Leafs, the tough conversation for the new GM needs to happen.
While Tavares has no intention of waiving his no-movement clause, the Maple Leafs have to free up salary cap space, and a “mistake signature” transfer as Kybrios described it is an option.
Tavares can still produce a point per game and it would be in the interest of the Maple Leafs and their cap space to find him a new home.