Patrik Laine’s next contract can be structured with bonuses
Pierre LeBrun: Since Montreal Canadiens forward Patrik Laine has been on the IR for most of the season, he is eligible for his next contract to be incentive-laden and bonus structured (low base salary). Would be appealing for some teams. He’s in need of a fresh start.
It’ll be a wait-and-see with Auston Matthews this offseason
Sportsnet: Elliotte Friedman and Kyle Bukauskas on 32 Thoughts: The Buzz is back in Buffalo episode, on Auston Matthews and the Toronto Maple Leafs will likely sit down and talk this offseason about his, and their future plans.
** NHLRumors.com transcription
“You know, we talked about Austin Matthews a bit on Saturday. I don’t want to talk about this every podcast. I think it gets a bit too much. But you know, Kevin and Jennifer and Ron and Kelly talked about his body language, the look on his face Saturday’s game and against Tampa when they got blown out in the first period.
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I just think we have to wait until they meet with Matthews after the season, and then we’ll get some clarity. I think there’s, I think it’s going to be a big difference in terms of what he sees as the big picture. How long do they think it’s going to be before the Maple Leafs are a contender again?
That’s going to be the big question that they’ll have to answer to him, and he’ll have to look at for himself. Ultimately, like, I think if it’s a short-term thing, I could see him dealing with it. If it’s a long-term thing, I’m not going to be as convinced. And you know, like I said, I think I’m going to wait until they actually talk and see what happens.”
Pierre LeBru of The Athletic: Auston Matthews – Has two years left at $13.25 million and a full no-movement. League sources say that Matthews future hasn’t come up once between his agents, Leafs GM or MLSE CEO. If the goal of the team is to re-tool, can see him wanting to stick around. Some will think to move Matthews and Nylander and rebuild, but ownership may not think that way. Think it’s 50-50.
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