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Auston Matthews' Salary Demands Are About to Reach Astronomical Heights


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Alexander Cole
August 14, 2025  (2:15 PM)
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Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews
Photo credit: Imagn Images

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews still has three years left on his contract; however, Connor McDavid could hold the keys to the forward's next salary.

Auston Matthews is under contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs until the summer of 2028. From there, he will become an unrestricted free agent, and there is no telling if he will stay in Toronto.
By then, the salary cap is going to be close to $120 million per season, and as a result, the captain will be staring at a very impressive new contract.
Of course, there is no telling what Matthews will make at that point, but the new contract extension for Connor McDavid could tell the story.

What is Auston Matthews worth?

Recently, Frank Seravalli reported that McDavid is looking at a contract that could be worth anywhere between $16 and $17.5 million.
Given the fact that Matthews makes $13.25 million right now, it is not far-fetched to think that this is what he will be making by 2028.
This is a pure spitball; I believe it will be somewhere between $16-17.5 million a year on a four year deal; it could be anywhere from 2 to 8, I don't think they've ruled out 8; 4 years might be the sweet spot
At the end of the day, the Toronto Maple Leafs are a team that values its superstars, and if Matthews can get back to being a 50-goal guy, they will gladly eat that cap hit.
However, the fans do want to start seeing some playoff success; otherwise, it will all be for nothing.
The Maple Leafs are likely looking at a bit of a regression this season, but with the 2026 free agency cycle looking juicy, the Leafs could make big swings.
Hopefully, in three years from now, Matthews will be the kind of player who still wants to play in a city like Toronto.
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Auston Matthews' Salary Demands Are About to Reach Astronomical Heights

Do you believe Auston Matthews should be paid like Connor McDavid?

YES5634.6 %
NO10665.4 %
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