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NHL Rumors: Connor Hellebuyck, Auston Matthews, Alex DeBrincat

By Marci Rubin

Apr 11, 2023; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck (37) follows the play against the Minnesota Wild during the second period at at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2023; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck (37) follows the play against the Minnesota Wild during the second period at at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 23, 2023; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) moves the puck during the first period against the Florida Panthers at FLA Live Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2023; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) moves the puck during the first period against the Florida Panthers at FLA Live Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports /

NHL Rumors: Maple Leafs not yet talking with Auston Matthews about extension

Auston Matthews has one year left on his contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs, but he’s interested in an extension. The Maple Leafs reportedly don’t have a sense of urgency to talk with Matthews and his agent, as they’re currently evaluating their coaching staff. The conversation should happen this summer, though.

Undeniably, Matthews is an elite center. He consistently scores 40 or more goals in a season. Even in 2020-21 when the NHL season was shortened due to COVID, Matthews reached 41 goals. In the 2021-22 season, he scored 60 goals and in 2022-23, he scored 40. He tallied 106 points in 2021-22 and 85 in 2022-23. This past season, Matthews held a +/- of 31 and 28 power play points.

There’s speculation that Matthews is interested in a short-term deal so that he can negotiate another deal in a few years when the salary cap rises. Fans and analysts are up in arms over Matthews’ rumored interest in a short-term deal. Some fans are so heated over this that they’re hoping Matthews will be traded. While he is a great player who deserves to get paid, there are concerns that he isn’t worth what he might be looking for. It will be interesting to see how this unfolds once talks commence between the Leafs and Matthews.

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