While it’s not typically in the nature of hockey players to do this sort of thing, Matthews doesn’t have to be like everyone else. If he’s got the chance to make big money and hit the eight-year banger at the exact right time he can make $200 million in the process, Matthews should have every right to do so. Johnson says Matthews needs to know the team will be good if he’s going to commit eight years to the Maple Leafs. At some point, if ever, when does Matthews give back to the Leafs by signing a fair deal and making it possible for the team to conduct other business? Is Matthews Right to Use His Leverage?

When Johson tried to say that Matthews shouldn’t have to play financially on a one-way street, Hayes offered the rebuttal that the Leafs just gave him $11.6 million for five years and are already offering to make him the highest-paid player in NHL history. Related: NHL Rumors: Maple Leafs, Flames, Devils, Flyers, Blue Jackets Hayes responded, “It just boggles my mind how it’s just this guy, here.” When asked why Matthews should have to give his undying loyalty and commitment to the Leafs, Hayes responded, “Because that’s the nature of a hard salary cap.” and said, “Everyone else is doing it.” He added that those players mentioned had other reasons to make those decisions and claimed Tkachuk wasn’t in the same conversation as Matthews (which is an intriguing statement and one feverishly argued against by Hayes). Johnson argued that Matthews is well within his rights to keep his options open. He argued that while players like Nathan MacKinnon, Matthew Tkachuk, and David Pastrnak are signing long-term deals and showing loyalty amidst a rumored cap jump, Matthews is likely going to hold out. He claimed the evidence of these multiple mid-term deals shows that this isn’t necessarily about winning for Matthews, but about his personal take-home pay. While the player’s right to do so, Hayes essentially blasted Matthews for continually putting himself in a position to make the most money, despite what it might mean for his team.

Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs ( Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)

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