Auston Matthews signs entry-level deal with Maple Leafs
The panic can now end. Auston Matthews has signed his entry-level deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday.
According to Chris Johnston of Sportsnet, Matthews, the No. 1 overall pick in last month’s NHL Draft, will receive the maximum in salary ($925,000) and a possible $2.85 million in bonuses, equal to that of the deals signed by Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel last year.
Per Cap Friendly, the bonus structure is broken down as:
Schedule A (individual achievement such as goals, points): $850,000
Schedule B (trophy nominations, final place in scoring categories): $2 million
Lamoriello has never been a believer in bonuses for rookies, but considering Matthews’ talent, it’s probably a good idea to get the relationship off on a good note. The GM added on a conference call with reporters that when he was hired he decided he wasn’t going to operate the “New Jersey way” as boss of the Leafs.
“There were no issues at all getting it done with Lou and the Leafs. Auston is thrilled,” Matthews’ agent, Pat Brisson, told the AP.
“This was never in question from our end of it,” Lamoriello said. “It was just when.”
Now that the deal is officially signed, the excitement can continue to grow in Toronto, with fans getting a first look during the World Cup of Hockey when Matthews plays for Team North America ahead of his debut for the Leafs in October.
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Sean Leahy is the associate editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Sean_Leahy
