One former NHLer took the opportunity to use the announcement about the 2024 All-Star weekend to poke some fun at the Leafs and springboard his farewell campaign for Auston Matthews, who is eligible to become a free agent that summer.
Now an Analyst for NHL Network, former journeyman winger Mike Rupp took a shot at Leaf fans on Twitter, writing "What a perfect way to celebrate AM34 as his farewell tour comes to a close"
Naturally, fans weren't too impressed and made sure Rupp knew about it in the comments. Rupp, an agitator during his time in the league, chose to take things one step further by including William Nylander's name in the farewell tour as well.
Look - is there a POSSIBILITY that Matthews and/or Nylander walks as a free agent in the summer of 2024? Sure. There's always a possibility. But these are two guys who appear to truly love being Leafs. I honestly can't see either player going anywhere, even if they are both due substantial raises. This one feels more like Rupp reaching for reactions and chasing internet clout than anything else.
POLL | ||
FEVRIER 5 | 960 ANSWERS Former NHLer and current Analyst enrages Leafs Nation with wild suggestion about Auston Matthews and William Nylander Will Matthews and/or Nylander walk as free agents? | ||
LOL... no | 437 | 45.5 % |
Yes, both | 177 | 18.4 % |
Only Matthews | 145 | 15.1 % |
Only Nylander | 201 | 20.9 % |
List of polls |