Shortly after Gaudreau's announcement of departure from Calgary it was announced that he signed a contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets, and took a whopping pay cut of $15 million less than what his former team the Calgary Flames offered throughout his contract term. Insider Michael Traikos claims that Auston Matthews may be following Gaudreau's foot steps and leave Toronto after his contract is expired in just 2 years time in 2024.
When Auston Matthews signed his 5 year deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs fans were furious as a 5 year deal will not make him a restricted free agent to the Maple Leafs but a unrestricted free agent to each and every NHL team that is willing to have Matthews play for them, which you could imagine- who wouldn't want Auston Matthews after a 60 goal and 106 point season?
A young Auston Matthews wearing his childhood and hometown teams Coyotes Jersey:
Michael Traikos reveals that a possible destination for Matthews is his hometown with the Arizona Coyotes (a childhood dream for Auston), the LA Kings, the San Jose Sharks or even the Anaheim Ducks to get closer to home in hopes to get a Stanley Cup. Each of those teams have a much better prospect pool than the Toronto Maple Leafs and in 2 years time when Matthews's contract expires those prospects pools and franchises will not be teams to be taken lightly.
You can also relate this situation to John Tavares coming to his hometown team the Toronto Maple Leafs after spending his entire career in a New York Islanders jersey..
Doesn't he look like a natural fit?? This one may hurt the Leaf fans..
Matthews also spends plenty of time in Arizona, helping our there University NCAA Hockey team as well.
POLL | ||
Where do you think Auston Matthews will be in 2 years?? | ||
Back in Toronto! | 339 | 44.4 % |
Arizona! | 273 | 35.8 % |
The LA Kings | 97 | 12.7 % |
Anaheim or San Jose | 54 | 7.1 % |
List of polls |