About a week before Matthews made that statement to Toronto reporters, he and Morgan Rielly travelled to Las Vegas for the 2022 NHL Media Day. While there, the Leafs star center sat down with former NHLer and Sportsnet analyst Colby Armstrong. The pair discussed Matthews' moustache, the Leafs' repetition of first-round exits, the chance of a 70-goal season, his chemistry with Mitch Marner and lastly whether there was a city Matthews would choose to retire in.
In true Matthews fashion, he played the question off but not without showing his annoyance by it.
This was the only question Matthews didn't elaborate on when asked by Armstrong. Instead, he gave reflective insight into his thoughts on the Leafs' playoff struggles and how his relationship with Marner has grown over the years. But, when it came to retiring and slight reference to his next contract, Armstrong was immediately shut down.
Even if Matthews were to sign an extension with the Leafs that was at least five years, that would put him into his thirties by the time he was done. So it's fair for him to be annoyed when asked the same question, mainly since he's already spoken on 1his feelings about where he's at.
You can watch Matthews' full interview with Armstrong here:
POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 13 | 190 ANSWERS Auston Matthews already fed up with being asked about his next contract Do you think it's fair for Matthews to not want the media to ask him about his next contract this season? | ||
Yes, but next season is a different story | 154 | 81.1 % |
No, it's part of the job | 36 | 18.9 % |
List of polls |