"Anyone who passes up 8 years of guaranteed money is an absolute moron" - NHL analyst perplexed by Auston Matthews decision to decline long-term deal

Modified Nov 14, 2024 12:39 GMT

On November 13th’s First Up 1050 podcast, hosts Aaron Korolnek and Carlo Colaiacovo discussed Auston Matthews’ decision to sign a shorter contract, a four-year, $53 million contract. This contract, signed in August 2023, runs through the 2027–28 season when the Toronto Maple Leafs captain will be 30 years old.

During the discussion, Colaiacovo said that long-term deals bring security, saying:

"Anyone who passes up 8 years of guaranteed money is an absolute moron."

Meanwhile, Korolnek thinks otherwise.

"Well, again, I don't think Austin Matthews is an absolute moron," Korolnek said. "But I think he's a guy who's looking at it when he's 30 years old will be eligible to sign another contract, will still be at the top of his game, and the salary cap will be $105 million, as opposed to $85 million.”

This approach is different from other stars like Leon Draisaitl, who signed an eight-year, $112 million deal. Long-term contracts usually give players financial security and avoid risks like injuries.

Auston Matthews has an upper-body injury and hasn’t skated since Sunday. He remains in Toronto and missed the game against the Washington Capitals. For now, Matthews is unlikely to play Saturday against the Edmonton Oilers.

Toronto Maple Leafs are 4-1 in Auston Matthews' absence

The Toronto Maple Leafs earned a 4-3 overtime win over the Washington Capitals on Wednesday, rallying back despite Auston Matthews’ absence. This victory followed a 3-0 shutout loss to the Ottawa Senators. The Leafs are 4-1 with Matthews out of the lineup.

In a game full of late action, the Capitals initially led 3-1. Bobby McMann scored Toronto's first goal, assisted by John Tavares. Dylan Strome and Aliaksei Protas scored for the Capitals, pushing their lead to two.

However, Toronto surged back in the final minutes. William Nylander scored to bring the Leafs within one, and Mitch Marner scored a game-tying power-play goal with just 48.0 seconds left.

In overtime, Tavares took a breakaway pass from Marner and scored the winning goal, securing the Leafs’ fourth win in Auston Matthews’ absence.

During Auston Matthews' absence, the Leafs won three straight games. First, they beat the Boston Bruins 4-0, scoring three power-play goals. Next, they won 3-1 against the Detroit Red Wings during the Hockey Hall of Fame game. And then a 4-1 win against the Montreal Canadiens.