Auston Matthews, selected as the top pick in the 2016 NHL draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs, signed his initial entry-level contract that concluded in 2019. The team quickly secured him to a five-year, $58.2 million extension that ran through the 2023-24 season. Ahead of that contract’s expiration, Matthews agreed to a second extension—a four-year, $53 million deal—that commenced with the 2024-25 season and will keep him in Toronto until 2028.
With just three seasons remaining on this latest agreement, questions are emerging about what Matthews’ future holds with the team, especially given the relatively short duration of this contract compared to the longer deals commonly signed by franchise stars.
Speculation Arises Over Matthews’ Commitment to Toronto
Nick Kypreos, a former Maple Leafs player turned columnist and radio host, raised concerns about Matthews’ intentions behind opting for a shorter deal. In his July 2025 column for the Toronto Star, Kypreos suggested Matthews might be keeping his options open because of uncertainties around the team‘s success.
Is he keeping his options open? If next season doesn’t trend in the right direction for the captain and his team, will he want stick around? —Nick Kypreos, Columnist
Kypreos warned that if Matthews and the Maple Leafs fail to capture the Stanley Cup in the coming years, Matthews could face intense criticism from the passionate Toronto fan base and media, possibly influencing his decision to stay or leave.
Lane Lambert Highlights Matthews’ Defensive Strengths
Lane Lambert’s brief tenure as associate coach of the Maple Leafs during the 2024-25 season provided valuable insight into Matthews’ all-around game. Lambert played a key role in helping Toronto secure first place in the Atlantic Division and pushing the playoffs to a dramatic seven-game series against the Florida Panthers before he departed to become Seattle Kraken’s head coach.
In an interview with TSN’s Mark Masters, Lambert praised Matthews for his dedication and comprehensive playing style, emphasizing a skill set often underrated in public discussions.
There’s a lot of things that impressed me about him, but I was most impressed with his team-first attitude and the fact that he plays a 200-foot game. —Lane Lambert, Former Maple Leafs Associate Coach
Lambert further expressed that Matthews is frequently overlooked in defensive metrics, despite his strong impact in that area, which, when combined with his elite offensive abilities, elevates his overall contribution on the ice.
I think he unfairly doesn’t get considered in certain defensive categories or defensive awards … I think as we go forward here, he’s going to get more and more recognition. —Lane Lambert, Former Maple Leafs Associate Coach
What Matthews’ Contract Length Could Mean for the Maple Leafs
The decision to sign a four-year deal rather than a lengthy eight-year contract has sparked speculation about Matthews’ long-term plans and the Maple Leafs’ ability to build a championship-winning team around him. As Matthews approaches the midpoint of this contract, the pressure mounts on both the captain and the franchise to deliver sustained success and possibly a Stanley Cup title.
The coming seasons will be pivotal, not only for Matthews’ legacy in Toronto but also for the franchise’s readiness to meet fan expectations. Should performance trends falter, Matthews may reassess his future beyond 2028, potentially altering the makeup of the Maple Leafs’ core.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Has Auston Matthews hit 70?
A. Auston Matthews did not reach his goal of scoring 70 times in a single NHL season. On the other hand, Nikita Kucherov from Tampa Bay Lightning achieved 100 assists in a season. The Lightning defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-4 on Wednesday night.
Q. Did Auston Matthews get 70?
A. TAMPA, Fla. — Auston Matthews tried to join an elite group by scoring 70 goals in one NHL season but didn’t succeed. Meanwhile, Nikita Kucherov of Tampa Bay managed to become the fifth player in NHL history to achieve 100 assists in a season. The Lightning defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-4 on Wednesday night.
Q. How fast can Auston Matthews shoot?
A. The NHL has a new stats portal that shows Matthews’ fastest shot this season reached a speed of 147 kilometers per hour.
Q. What is Auston Matthews shot speed?
A. The fastest shot he’s taken this year is 135.8 km/hr. Last year, his best was 147.2 km/hr. The year before that, it was 151.5 km/hr. Now, Matthews has an average shot speed of 79.7 km/hr, which is lower than his 82.3 km/hr average last year.