NHL Rumors: 5 forwards most likely to sign early extensions this summer

By Marci Rubin | Jul 18, 2023

May 20, 2023; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes center Sebastian Aho (20) pushes the puck up the ice against the Florida Panthers in game two of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 4, 2023; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) handles the puck against the Vancouver Canucks in the first period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports /

Forwards most likely to sign early extensions: 4. Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs)

There’s been a lot of talk this offseason about the possibilities for Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews. The 25-year-old center’s five-year contract ends after next season, when he’ll become a UFA. The Maple Leafs are trying to avoid Matthews reaching UFA status next offseason, so contract extension talks are reportedly already underway. Matthews has full no-move protection.

The Leafs expect Matthews to be a part of their future, as their team is undeniably stronger with him on the ice. Last season, the elite offensive forward scored 40 goals and notched 45 assists. In 2021-22, Matthews tallied a staggering 60 goals.

There’s no guarantee the deal gets done this summer, but signs point toward the Leafs and Matthews wanting to get it done sooner rather than later. “I think that one’s going to work out,” NHL insider Elliotte Friedman said on the NHL Network. “I wouldn’t be surprised if it happens at some point this summer,” he added.

Matthews and his teammate William Nylander are both eligible for extensions, but Nylander isn’t on this list because an early extension doesn’t seem as likely for him. It sounds like Nylander and the Leafs aren’t close to the same page with extension talks.

The Leafs certainly don’t want to lose Nylander or Matthews, but if it comes down to one or the other due to the salary cap, the Leafs would keep Matthews over Nylander. There have been whispers of Nylander being a potential trade candidate if the two sides can’t strike a deal. Matthews, on the other hand, should see his deal get done, and it could happen in the quiet days of late summer.

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