David Pagnotta of the NHL Network is reporting that the Toronto Maple Leafs are focused right now on evaluating their coaching staff and don’t have urgency at this time to speak with star forward Auston Matthews. He adds that they do intend to meet with the 25-year-old and his agent later this month, at which time they will presumably begin to talk about a contract extension for the upcoming unrestricted free agent. Matthews is just a year away from being able to walk out the door for nothing and the direction of the franchise will likely be dictated by what happens in the Matthews talks.
It’s an interesting approach from newly anointed general manager Brad Treliving given that he cited talking to Matthews as his number one priority at his introductory press conference. It’s also curious because he just came from a franchise in which he lost two 100-point scorers in a matter of months just one year ago. One would have to assume he will be prudent in making sure that doesn’t happen again with Matthews who has a no-trade clause that kicks in on July 1st.
In other news from around the league:
- Pagnotta also writes that talks between the New Jersey Devils and pending RFA Timo Meier have picked up this week, but he describes the situation with Jesper Bratt as status quo. Bratt and the Devils have a bit of a contentious relationship when it comes to negotiations as they have come up against each other in the past when it comes to money. This happened most notably last summer when they nearly went to arbitration but settled on a one-year deal just hours before they were set to square off. Bratt posted a career high 32 goals last season while posting his second consecutive 73-point season. He has bet on himself in the past and with just a year left until he is an unrestricted free agent, this could be the Devils toughest negotiation yet.
- Elliotte Friedman mentioned on The Jeff Marek Show today that he believes the Philadelphia Flyers are looking to move defenseman Tony DeAngelo. The 27-year-old continued to produce on the powerplay in his first season in Philadelphia but struggled at even strength and in his own defensive zone. The New Jersey native became a lightning rod for criticism, particularly from head coach John Tortorella who scratched DeAngelo multiple times last season. Philadelphia acquired DeAngelo last summer from Carolina for multiple draft picks and signed him to a two year $10MM contract. Many people questioned the move at the time and that continued into the season despite the defenseman’s offensive production. It’ll be curious to see if any teams bite on the gifted but limited rearguard.
Watch Tronna Leaf this up real good.
I still see Mathews on a California team within the next year.
I imagine Matthews was a Doaner fan growing up.
With all the disappointment and flux in Toronto, I see Matthews wanting to move on. I don’t think he does an extension and I think he goes wherever he wishes after next season.
Trono losing Matthews for nothing would be the ultimate F U.
Cue the anti-DeAngelo rants
“He voted for someone I don’t like…..I hates him forever!”. ;)
Don’t think there’s much that hasn’t been said before. He has no value other than offense, most of that’s on the power play, and he’s a proven disruptive head case in the locker room. Nothing new on any of those fronts. If the Flyers were genuine contenders, there might be value in a buyout, but they might as well just suck it up and ride out the season. With cap space crunched league wide, I don’t imagine anyone’s desperate enough to trade so much as a used skate bag for him.
Why is everything political to you? You know there are more apolitical people than political people in our country right? Anthony Deangelo not being a valuable asset isn’t exactly a leftist view lmao. My god politics have destroyed peoples brains.
@jd
It’s pretty easy to see that the immense dislike for Deangelo is mostly politically motivated. The “Proven head case” that Nha refers to is based on two incidents, that happened years ago: being suspended from the OHL for supposed racial speech, and the confrontation with Georgiev and a LOT of innuendo. There have been plenty of offensive defensemen who have been hated over the years, Hall of Famer Larry Murphy was booed out of both DC and Toronto, but there’s seems to be special hatred for TDA, based on his support for Trump. It’s been gone over on this blog several times, and I can predict who will take what side. Nha did exactly as I knew he would. Like I said, Pavlov’s dogs.
For the record, I’m centrist and support less intrusive government, but also LGBT rights
Having Nha muted has spared me much aggravation. :)
I hear ya Mr. Bear, but I can’t always resist stirring the hornet’s nest, especially with such partisan hacks as some here. Like the proverbial car wreck….sometimes you just have to look.
I want him gone not for any reasons except that he isn’t needed now that the Flyers are rebuilding and Torts doesn’t want him there.