Toronto Maple Leafs fans collectively let out a sigh of relief today, as it was announced Auston Matthews has reupped for 4 years and 53 million. This will give him a new league-high average of 13.25 mil, previously Nathan MacKinnon held that honour with 12.6. The extension will start at the beginning of the 2024-25 season.

Despite the high average, it seems Matthews gave the Leafs a bit of a discount, as many analysts expected he would get 14 a year. This could be because the Leafs gave Matthews his preferred term, instead of the long-term deals most stars are signing.

This has to be a win for Leafs GM Brad Treliving as he retains one of the world’s best players and preeminent goal scorers for a reasonable rate; while retaining some degree of flexibility. The signing of Matthews also gives Toronto more options and leverage with regards to William Nylander's contract. Nylander is headed into the last year of his deal and expressed that he doesn't feel rushed to resign and that “there is no other place he wants to play”.

Matthews who is still just 25 years old, already has a Leafs franchise record 60-goal season and a Hart trophy to his name. Over his career the California native has amassed 299 goals, and 243 assists, for 542 points across 481 games; all in Toronto. The 25-year-old has scored more than 30 goals in all seven of his seasons, hitting 40 five times.