Although the next month could be very telling about where Matthews' head will be regarding signing a new contract, Leafs reporter Luke Fox reveals that he's certain number 34 won't be putting pen to paper immediately.
In the audio clip above, while speaking with Jeff Marek, Fox explains how whoever comes in as GM should prioritize re-signing Matthews but that Matthews will likely want to see the new GM's plan, direction for the team and ensure he agrees to it before signing a contract. It's a reasonable assumption to make, and likely that is exactly what will happen.
Although a delay in Matthews re-signing isn't what most Leaf fans want to happen, it's important to remember how much this shakeup affects him and the other players as well. Hopefully, by the time the draft and free agency have come and gone, there will be a better, clearer idea of what will happen regarding Matthews' future with the team. The only real concern here is that Matthews' NMC kicks in on July 1st, so if the new Leafs GM's plans don't align with Matthews' vision for what he wants to do with his career, the Leafs will risk losing him for nothing.
POLL | ||
26 MAI | 613 ANSWERS The latest Auston Matthews update has Leafs Nation feeling quite nervous When do you think Matthews will re-sign with the Leafs? | ||
This summer | 197 | 32.1 % |
Sometime during the season | 89 | 14.5 % |
Next summer | 37 | 6 % |
He gone | 290 | 47.3 % |
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