What sets Austin Matthews apart from other NHL hockey players is that he’s good – really good. This talent now puts him in a position where he can pursue flexibility in his contract. He is likely to be on his next contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Who really blames him? He is a world-class talent in the world of professional sports. And very, very few special talents will make money. Expect Matthews to be handsomely rewarded.
Some (most?) Maple Leafs fans wish their favorite players would commit to long-term deals with the team they support. And while Matthews may, he has shown a willingness to explore different options.
There’s a good chance he’ll use his next contract to gain maximum flexibility. He wants to win the lottery when the NHL salary cap starts to go up.
Related: Maple Leafs News & Gossip: O’Reilly, Matthews & Liljegren
The NHL is not the NBA – yet
The type of contract flexibility in the NHL is now beginning to align with a recent trend seen in other professional sports. Here I’m thinking about baseball but especially basketball. In the NBA, players often look for opportunities to change teams for a number of different reasons.
Mathews’ financial considerations should not be underestimated
Matthews’ pursuit of financial fortunes cannot be ruled out. He is one of the best players in the NHL, and this gives him the right and opportunity to sign a huge contract in the short term. If he signs for short-term deals, he’ll be able to position himself up for bigger contracts in the near future.
And, as you indicated, the near future is when the salary cap starts to climb after the pandemic had forced its way through the salaries of the players (guarantee) and stopped increasing their earnings. COVID costs everyone.
Professional sports is a battle between players and teams for limited funds
Professional sports have always been a battleground when it comes to players and teams negotiating contracts and salaries. The NHL is no exception. Players seek the best deals for their talents; Conversely, teams strive to create competitive rosters within the constraints of the salary cap.
Ironically, these things don’t go hand in hand. Financial resources are limited (given the fixed salary cap). When the extra $2 million goes to Matthews, it can’t go to bringing in a third-line blocking center like David Kampf. As a result, when Matthews (or Mitch Marner, or whoever) signs on for more, someone else gets upset. Where will Kampf be next season?
Fans are frustrated
This is the current system. And to be honest, I don’t have solid ideas on how to fix it. Like I said, I don’t blame Matthews; And I don’t blame the maple leaf.
Matthews’ choice between his loyalty to the team and his personal fortune created an unfortunate situation that left fans feeling frustrated. At the same time, players are unfairly criticized for maximizing their profits. Although I can’t imagine the difference between paying $12 million and paying $14 million, I don’t blame a young man for paying $14 million instead of taking $12 million. What agent would ask their client to leave $2 million on the table so their team can bring in a player who can help them win? There is some strange irony to this thinking.
Strive for maximum profits
In today’s sports landscape, athletes are under pressure to sign the most lucrative contracts they can get. This pressure comes from many different places. It includes the desire to create financial security for themselves and their families, the influence of agents and player associations, and the ever-evolving market value of players.
In some ways, this is also a measure of how good a player you are. The more you make, the better. The contract becomes a measure of self-worth.
Escalating salaries in professional sports, including hockey, are a reflection of these dynamics.
Is the player mercenaries or is the system broken?
While some fans only see players as mercenaries, it is necessary to understand that players are simply playing by the rules and the opportunities they are presented with come naturally. As in any other profession, players are entitled to the best financial compensation for their skills and contributions. It is not fair to blame them for trying to maximize their profits within the rules set by the league.
The broken system lies in the imbalance between players’ salaries and the fans’ experience. While players sign lucrative contracts, fans often bear the brunt of skyrocketing ticket prices, expensive merchandise, and all the other costs associated with supporting their favorite teams. The increasing financial burden on fans can make it difficult for anyone – except the very wealthy – to get involved in the sport they love so closely in an arena that their team could be cheering on live.
The salary cap system also contributes to the disparity between players’ salaries and fans’ experience. A salary cap was introduced to promote parity and maintain a competitive balance between teams. However, this often results in teams struggling to retain star players.
As a result, a player like Matthews could one day end up in a permanent mixer of different rosters as he might engage in some kind of loyalty to his teams. On the other hand, fans lose their favorite players, who quickly move from one team to another.
Such a revolving door for players would reduce the emotional connection between fans and their teams. Fans can probably be blamed for their overprotectiveness; But, fans can also become detached and disillusioned.
Fan expectations about loyalty
Fans have high expectations for their teams. They hope for the loyalty of the players. However, it is important to realize that loyalty is a two-way street. Players are loyal to their teammates, coaches, and institutions, but not necessarily to a particular city or fanbase.
Expecting players to prioritize loyalty over their personal and financial aspirations is unrealistic and ignores the realities of professional sport.
It should be noted that some players choose to stay with one team for their entire career. Such actions embody loyalty. However, these players should be valued for their choices rather than used as a benchmark for how other players live.
bottom line
In the NHL, players are often criticized for seeking to maximize profits and exercising their right to negotiate contracts. It creates a disconnect between the players’ pursuit of wealth and the fans’ ability to fully engage in the sport.
That said, it seems counterintuitive to blame the players for exploiting the system. They simply navigate within the rules and opportunities presented. Instead, it seems important to me to acknowledge the broken system. Only then can we work on ways to better balance players’ salaries with their fans’ experience.
Professional hockey is a great game. But it might be better if it’s more in line with what the fans would like. While I don’t know what it might be, I do believe there are ways to create a better experience for everyone who cares.
Related: Ryan O’Reilly’s Dilemma: Maple Leafs or a Bigger Payday?