Auston Matthews speaks to the media, two days after signing a four-year, $53 million contract extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Matthews is relieved to have his future settled before training camp begins and to be able to focus on hockey.
Although it’s not a long-term contract, the sniper believes it was the best thing for him and for the team.
“The priority was to sign before the camp. But it’s not like I woke up one morning and said I needed a four-year deal. There were several long conversations, we thought about it a lot. I thought about it at night in my bed before going to sleep. Ultimately, that was what I was most comfortable with,” Matthews explained. “I believe it was the best balance for all parties involved, it was the best thing for me and for the team. ”
“At the conclusion of this agreement, I will have been with the organization for 12 years. Like I said before, I love playing for the Maple Leafs and my teammates. It is an honor for me to be part of it. ”
The prolific 25-year-old forward ranks fifth in Maple Leafs history in goals (299), the record being held by Mats Sundin (420). He does not want to think too far, but admits to being aware of having the chance to join him at the top one day and to be able to leave his mark even more within this rich organization.
“It crosses my mind from time to time, I see this kind of thing circulating on the internet. My priority at the Maple Leafs is to be the best player and teammate possible, to do my best to take him as far as possible. The rest is an extra, if it happens, so much the better. We all have a particular common goal. ”
Matthews also said he was very impressed with general manager Brad Treliving’s work since his arrival.
“I’m really excited about the decisions he’s made and the players he’s brought. I believe they will help the team a lot. It’s always interesting to get to know new playmates who were once rivals. It was obviously not easy for him to bring himself into such a situation, but I have enjoyed our conversations so far, it has been very positive. ”
Treliving also took part in the videoconference and let it be known that he learned a lot from his player through the negotiation process.
“He is a remarkable young man. He has a unique way of thinking, he is very cerebral. We are talking here about one of the greatest talents in the world. In his situation, he could have asked for even more than he received,” the GM claimed, despite Matthews already being the highest paid player in the league.
Treliving has also said it continues to work on a new contract for William Nylander, who is also nearing the end of his agreement, saying he is a “star”.
