The giant signature is out! Toronto extends its star player’s contract, earns the most in the NHL

The Toronto Maple Leafs have secured one of their biggest stars for the next four years. Auston Matthews is set to become the highest earning player in the NHL, making over $13 million a year.

Auston Matthews is entering the final year of his current five-year contract, which he signed before the 2019-20 season.

It was that contract that guaranteed him $11,640,250 in annual earnings, according to CapFriendly. So the Maple Leafs understandably began negotiating an extension with the American forward as soon as possible.

And they did. The Canadian organization confirmed Wednesday that Matthews has signed a new contract, making him the highest-paid player in the entire NHL.

Matthews signed in Toronto for four more years with a total income of $53 million. The new contract will begin in the 2024/25 season, so one of the Maple Leafs’ biggest stars will earn $13.250 million annually.

And as The Athletic mentioned, Matthews is expected to leapfrog Nathan MacKinnon in terms of salary. The Colorado forward will earn $12.6 million a year under the terms of his current contract.

I feel fortunate to continue this journey as a Maple Leaf in front of the best fans in hockey! I will do everything I can to help get us to the top of the mountain. GLG! #LeafsForever

— Auston Matthews (@AM34) August 23, 2023

“I’m happy to continue my journey with the Maple Leafs in front of the best hockey fans in the world. I’ll do whatever it takes to get to the top, ” Matthews wrote on his Twitter account and social network X, respectively.

It’s a signature that doesn’t diminish the wait for success, quite the contrary. Edmonton star Connor McDavid, it should be noted, will earn less. That is, $12.5 million for one season.

Matthews first put on a Toronto jersey in the 2016/17 season and has been part of the Canadian team for eight years. In that time, including the playoffs, he has played 481 games, scoring 299 goals and adding 243 assists. In total, he has accumulated 542 points.

Sources: NHL, The Athletic, Elite Prospects, CapFriendly