NHL analysts discuss the pros and cons of Auston Matthews' four year contract. (Credit: IMAGN)
On November 13th’s First Up 1050 podcast, hosts Aaron Korolnek and Carlo Colaiacovo discussed Auston Matthews’ decision to sign a shorter contract, a four-year, $53 million contract. This contract, signed in August 2023, runs through the 2027–28 season when the Toronto Maple Leafs captain will be 30 years old.
During the discussion, Colaiacovo said that long-term deals bring security, saying:
"Anyone who passes up 8 years of guaranteed money is an absolute moron."
Meanwhile, Korolnek thinks otherwise.
"Well, again, I don't think Austin Matthews is an absolute moron," Korolnek said. "But I think he's a guy who's looking at it when he's 30 years old will be eligible to sign another contract, will still be at the top of his game, and the salary cap will be $105 million, as opposed to $85 million.”
