Auston Matthews May Have Just Changed Everything for Leon Draisaitl and Other Stars

As you know, Auston Matthews has finally signed a contract extension with Toronto.

Starting in the 2024-25 season, he'll play four years with the Leafs for $53M.

Now, what does this mean for other NHL stars?

Many star players will become free agents in the upcoming seasons.

One of the most notable is Leon Draisaitl, who has only two years left on his cap-friendly $8.5M AAV contract.

When it expires, he'll seek a well-deserved raise.

We're curious about how much it'll be, especially considering Matthews' $13.5M AAV deal.

Both players compete alongside great linemates; however, there's a significant difference in their statistics.

Last season, Draisaitl scored 128 points, including 52 goals. This marks the second consecutive year he's scored 50 goals or more and the third time in his career.

Matthews, on the other hand, scored 85 points in 74 games, with 40 goals. That's significantly fewer than Draisaitl.

As the highest-paid player in the NHL, Matthews will undoubtedly face criticism if he doesn't perform up to expectations.

We're eager to see if he can handle the pressure and lead his team to the Stanley Cup.

As seen on NHL Trade Talk - Matthews' Extension Ignites Draisaitl's Next Contract Talks

MUST READ

Feb 28  |  By Tom Banks Vancouver Canucks' Contract Offer to Brock Boeser Leaks Publicly

Feb 28  |  By Tom Banks Montreal Canadiens Star Undergoes Season-Ending Knee Surgery

Feb 28  |  By Daniel Lucente Philadelphia Flyers Officially Looking to Trade Former 39-Goal Scorer

Feb 28  |  By Daniel Lucente Evander Kane May Be in His Final Days in Edmonton After Friedman Reveals New Information

Feb 28  |  By Mike Whitaker Maple Leafs Forward Pulls Back Trade Request

Feb 27  |  By Mike Whitaker Brad Marchand Goes Viral for Passionate Video Ahead of Four Nations Faceoff Final

Feb 27  |  By Mike Whitaker David Pastrnak's Latest Comments Suggest Bruins Will Be Big Sellers at the Deadline

Feb 27  |  By Julien Trekker 6-Foot-6 Winger Linked to the New York Rangers at the Trade Deadline

MORE STORIES