BREAKING NEWS: New York Rangers Sign Auston Matthews to Two-Year, $37 Million Deal
April 21, 2025 – New York, NY
In a blockbuster move that is sending shockwaves through the hockey world, the New York Rangers have officially signed superstar forward Auston Matthews to a two-year deal worth $37 million. The former Toronto Maple Leafs center, widely regarded as one of the NHL’s premier goal-scorers, will now bring his elite talent to Madison Square Garden.
The Rangers announced the signing early Monday morning through their official social media platforms and website. General Manager Chris Drury later held a press conference to confirm the deal and express his excitement about adding Matthews to an already competitive roster.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Auston to New York,” Drury said. “He’s an elite talent, a proven leader, and someone who makes everyone around him better. This move reflects our commitment to building a Stanley Cup-contending team.”
Matthews, 27, was the first overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft and spent the entirety of his NHL career with the Maple Leafs until now. Over his eight seasons in Toronto, he racked up over 350 goals, multiple All-Star selections, and the 2022 Hart Trophy as league MVP. Despite his individual success, postseason frustration in Toronto may have influenced his decision to seek a new opportunity.
In a statement released by his agent, Matthews said: “Toronto will always be special to me. The fans, the organization, my teammates — I’ll forever be grateful. But I believe it’s time for a new challenge, and the chance to play in New York, with the history and passion of the Rangers, is something I couldn’t pass up.”
Matthews reportedly turned down a longer-term extension with the Maple Leafs in order to pursue a shorter, high-value contract that gives him flexibility in the future. The $37 million deal—averaging $18.5 million per year—makes him the highest-paid player in NHL history in terms of annual salary.
The move instantly boosts the Rangers’ offensive firepower and solidifies their status as a top contender in the Eastern Conference. Matthews is expected to slot in as the team’s top-line center, forming a formidable partnership with Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad. The Rangers, who fell short in the Eastern Conference Finals last season, now appear poised to make a serious run at the Stanley Cup.
Fans in New York have erupted with excitement at the news, flooding social media with support for the deal and anticipation for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, in Toronto, reactions are more mixed. While many fans expressed appreciation for Matthews’ contributions, others voiced frustration at the organization for failing to retain their franchise cornerstone.
Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving released a brief statement: “We thank Auston for everything he brought to our organization. While we’re disappointed to see him go, we respect his decision and wish him nothing but success moving forward.”
Matthews is expected to be officially introduced at a press event at Madison Square Garden later this week.
The NHL landscape has officially shifted — and the road to the Stanley Cup just got a lot more intense.