Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews, who recently signed a new contract extension in August 2023, effectively ended his previous one. The new four-year extension, valued at $53 million, makes Matthews the highest-paid player in the NHL with an annual average value (AAV) of $13.25 million.
This extension comes after his previous five-year, $58.17 million deal, signed in 2019, came to an end. Matthews’ decision to sign a shorter extension, rather than a long-term deal, signals his focus on maximizing his earnings and maintaining flexibility for the future. This new contract ensures that Matthews remains with the Leafs through the 2027-28 season.
As one of the NHL’s top players, Matthews has consistently delivered elite-level performance. He won the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy as the league’s top goal scorer in both the 2021 and 2022 seasons and was named the Hart Memorial Trophy winner in 2022 as the NHL’s most valuable player. His contributions have made him the centerpiece of the Maple Leafs’ aspirations for the Stanley Cup, a title the team hasn’t won since 1967.
Matthews’ new contract reflects the growing importance of top-tier players in the league and the increasing salaries they command. For the Leafs, securing their franchise player for an additional four years provides stability and ensures they remain competitive in their pursuit of a championship.
The team and its fans hope that with Matthews locked in for the foreseeable future, the Maple Leafs can finally overcome their playoff struggles and deliver the success the organization has long
sought.
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