The hockey world is abuzz after Connor McDavid signed a two-year, $25 million contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers, carrying an average annual value (AAV) of $12.5 million. The deal, considered team-friendly, has sparked conversations across the league, including in Toronto, where Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews weighed in on the situation.
Matthews, currently earning $13.25 million per year, acknowledged the attention surrounding McDavid's contract, emphasizing the Oilers captain's competitive drive. "I think for him, it's all about winning and setting himself up for the best opportunity to do that," Matthews said. He added, "In my time around him, that's the main thing he wants to do. What everybody wants to do is to win, and he's as committed as anybody”. Matthews' comments highlight the respect that top-tier players hold for each other, regardless of team rivalries or contract size.
However, Matthews' seemingly innocuous praise of McDavid's focus on winning has ignited a firestorm among some Maple Leafs fans. Some fans interpreted Matthews' statement as a subtle commentary on his own priorities, questioning whether he is as committed to winning as McDavid. This sentiment is amplified by the Maple Leafs' continued struggles to advance deep into the playoffs during Matthews' tenure as captain. The team has not progressed beyond the second round, fueling frustration among a fanbase desperate for a Stanley Cup.
The contrast between McDavid's "modest" contract and Matthews' previous contract negotiations has also drawn criticism. Some fans pointed out that Matthews has historically aimed for the highest possible salary in his contracts, while McDavid chose to leave money on the table to provide his team with more financial flexibility. This has led to accusations that Matthews is more concerned with personal earnings than team success.
Adding fuel to the fire, NHL analyst James Mirtle bluntly labeled the Leafs as "losers" after McDavid's extension, highlighting the hopes of some fans that McDavid might one day join the Toronto team. Mirtle noted that some fans were even willing to sacrifice improvements to the 2025-2026 roster to create cap space for a potential McDavid acquisition. The dream of "bringing McDavid home" to his native Ontario has been a long-standing fantasy for some Leafs supporters, making the reality of his commitment to Edmonton a bitter pill to swallow.
While some Maple Leafs fans are expressing their discontent, others have taken a more measured approach. Some acknowledge that every player's and team's situation is unique, and that Matthews' contract should not be directly compared to McDavid's. They also recognize the rising salary cap and the complexities of building a competitive team in the modern NHL. Some fans are also looking ahead to 2028, when both Matthews and McDavid could become free agents, sparking speculation about a potential future collaboration.
Ultimately, Auston Matthews' comments on Connor McDavid's contract have inadvertently stirred up a passionate debate among Maple Leafs fans. The situation underscores the intense pressure and scrutiny faced by star players in Toronto, where the pursuit of a Stanley Cup remains the ultimate goal.
