Maple Leafs, Auston Matthews reach 4-year, $53M extension - ESPN

Auston Matthews isn't going anywhere.

The Toronto Maple Leafs' top center signed a four-year, $53 million contract extension through the 2028 season Wednesday. The new pact begins when Matthews' current five-year deal runs out in July.

At $13.25 million per season, Matthews becomes the NHL's highest paid player in terms of annual value, surpassing Nathan MacKinnon, who is averaging $12.6 million on his eight-year contract with the Colorado Avalanche.

«I feel fortunate to continue this journey as a Maple Leaf in front of the best fans in hockey!» Matthews posted to social media just before the extension went public. «I will do everything I can to help get us to the top of the mountain. GLG!»

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! <a href=«https://twitter.com/hashtag/LeafsForever?src=hash&ref_src=» https:>#LeafsForever

Matthews, 25, has been an elite play-driving forward for the Maple Leafs since he was drafted No. 1 overall in 2016. He is a two-time Rocket Richard Trophy winner (in 2020 and 2021) as the NHL's top goal scorer, posting 299 goals and 542 points in 481 regular-season games — with another 22 goals and 44 points through 50 postseason tilts

He tallied career-best totals in 2021-22 with 60 goals and 106 points in 73 games, an output that earned him a Hart Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award as the NHL's Most Valuable Player.

Matthews already has positioned himself well among the Leafs' all-time franchise leaders, tied for fifth in goals scored and second with nine overtime goals. He also leads the NHL in goals scored since 2016-17 and is 11th overall in points.

The Scottsdale, Arizona,