DEAL DONE: 2025-2027 Extension. Auston Matthews signed a 4 year, $53,000,000 contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs, including $49,650,000 signing bonus, $53,000,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $13,250,000…..see more details
DEAL DONE: Auston Matthews Signs 4-Year, $53M Extension With Toronto Maple Leafs (2025–2027)
TORONTO, ONTARIO — In a groundbreaking move that electrifies the hockey world and brings a wave of optimism to Leafs Nation, superstar center Auston Matthews has officially signed a new four-year contract extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The deal, valued at a staggering $53,000,000, runs from the 2025–26 season through the 2028–29 campaign and cements Matthews as the centerpiece of the Maple Leafs’ championship ambitions for the near future.
💰 Contract Breakdown
The deal includes a whopping $49,650,000 signing bonus, making it one of the most front-loaded contracts in NHL history. With the entire $53 million fully guaranteed, Matthews is set to earn an average annual salary (AAV) of $13.25 million, maintaining his status among the league’s highest-paid players. This move signals the Leafs’ unwavering commitment to their franchise player and their belief that he is the cornerstone of any future Stanley Cup dreams.
Matthews’ new contract does not include any trade or movement clauses, as those specifics are still under review by cap analysts and insiders. However, it’s believed the deal provides Matthews with a strong degree of control over his future in Toronto.
🏒 Auston Matthews: The Franchise Centerpiece
Since being drafted first overall in 2016, Auston Matthews has become synonymous with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Known for his elite goal-scoring ability, two-way play, and leadership qualities, Matthews has been the engine of the team’s offense for nearly a decade. In the 2023–24 season, Matthews led the NHL with 69 goals, a career-high that once again showcased his dominance as one of the best pure scorers in the modern era.
Over his career to date, Matthews has amassed:
542 points in 557 regular-season games
306 goals
236 assists
Multiple All-Star appearances
A Hart Memorial Trophy (MVP) in 2022
Rocket Richard Trophies for league-leading goal totals in 2021 and 2022
At just 27 years old, Matthews is entering his prime, and this deal strategically aligns his peak playing years with Toronto’s current competitive window.
🍁 Maple Leafs’ Vision: Win Now
This extension also sends a strong signal from General Manager Brad Treliving and President Brendan Shanahan: the time to win is now. After years of playoff frustrations and early exits, the organization is aiming to retain its core and build smartly around it.
Matthews’ deal keeps him in Toronto through age 31 — giving the Leafs a four-year window where their franchise player is under contract while still at his physical and competitive peak. This move should also positively influence negotiations with other stars such as Mitch Marner and William Nylander, who remain vital parts of Toronto’s offensive core.
💬 Reactions from the Hockey World
The announcement has triggered widespread praise from analysts, fans, and fellow players alike.
GM Brad Treliving commented:
> “Auston is an elite talent and a tremendous person. Locking him up for four more years allows us to build around a player of his caliber with clarity and purpose. We are thrilled to have him committed to Toronto.”
Matthews himself shared his excitement via social media and a team press conference:
> “Toronto is home. I believe in this group, and I believe in our goal of bringing a Stanley Cup back to this city. I’m grateful to continue this journey with the fans and this organization.”
💡 Strategic Implications for the Leafs
By inking a short-to-medium-term extension rather than a max-length deal, Matthews preserves his flexibility for the future while still rewarding the Leafs with his best years. For Toronto, this avoids a cap-heavy commitment in the long-term and keeps the team adaptable.
This deal gives the Leafs breathing room to manage the salary cap — especially important with other key players’ contracts coming due soon. While Matthews takes up a significant portion of the cap, his value as a consistent 40+ goal scorer and team leader justifies the investment.
The Leafs will now likely shift focus to reinforcing their defense and goaltending, areas that have proved problematic in recent playoff runs. Matthews’ commitment may also serve as a magnet for other elite players looking to join a contending roster anchored by one of the league’s top talents.
👀 What’s Next?
With Matthews secured, Toronto fans will be watching closely to see what moves follow. Will Marner be next to sign an extension? Will Treliving pursue another high-profile free agent? How does this deal affect the team’s playoff mindset and expectations?
One thing is certain: Auston Matthews is staying in Toronto, and that changes everything. In a league where superstars increasingly explore free agency, Matthews’ decision to stay loyal to the Maple Leafs is a massive vote of confidence in the direction of the franchise.
For now, Leafs fans can breathe easy and celebrate — their cornerstone is staying put, and the chase for the Cup continues with renewed belief.
—
🔁 Contract Summary:
Player: Auston Matthews
Team: Toronto Maple Leafs
Term: 4 years (2025–2029)
Total Value: $53,000,000
Signing Bonus: $49,650,000
AAV: $13,250,000
Status: Signed & Guaranteed
Let the new era of Matthews in Toronto begin.