Toronto Maple Leafs star player Auston Matthews said Monday he wants to sign a contract extension with the team.
Matthews can sign a contract extension with the Maple Leafs starting July 1, as he completes the final year of a five-year, $58.195 million deal signed in 2019.
“My intention is to stay here…I really like playing here. It’s a real honour,” said Matthews.
Matthews has 40 goals and 45 assists in 74 games this season. He had scored 60 goals in the previous one.
The American added 5 goals and 6 assists in 11 playoff games, helping the Maple Leafs win their first series since 2004. They were, however, eliminated in the second round by the Florida Panthers.
Marner will arrive ready next season
Forward Mitch Marner is still trying to analyze the Leafs’ loss in the second round of the playoffs.
“We had our chances during the matches. Sergei Brobrovsky played an excellent series. Sometimes there are moments that are not just for us, ”said the man who collected three points in the series.
After this elimination which hurts the morals of the players, Marner assures that he will arrive ready for the next season, no matter what challenge the Leafs will have.
“I’m going to make sure I have good training this summer to be at my best from the start of the season. If there are changes in the off-season, those are not things I have control over. ”
Marner also mentioned having confidence in general manager Kyle Dubas.
“We’re lucky to have him,” he said. He’s a guy who takes care of his players, he’s special for us. ”
Bunting’s future uncertain
Meanwhile, forward Michael Bunting said he hasn’t had any talks with the Maple Leafs regarding a contract extension.
Bunting could become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, after completing the final year of a 2-year, $1.9 million contract. He said he hasn’t thought about negotiations since the Leafs were eliminated last Friday.
Bunting had 23 goals and 26 assists in 82 games during the regular season. He then added 1 goal and 1 assist in 7 playoff games.
