Kyle Dubas has provided an update on the status of the Toronto Maple Leafs‘ two prized upcoming restricted free agents.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, the Leafs general manager said the team has made progress on an extension with star centre Auston Matthews, adding he would like to get a deal done as soon as possible to provide clarity ahead of the trade deadline.
While Dubas admitted it’s his preference to get something done before next month’s deadline, he added he does not want to put any pressure on Matthews and Marner to sign quickly.
This latest update should come as a relief for Maple Leafs fans after the recent holdout of William Nylander that cost him the first two months of his season — plus the rumblings of their youngsters being targeted with potential offer sheets.
Matthews, the cornerstone of the Maple Leafs franchise, has scored 94 goals, 80 assists and 174 points in 178 career games since being drafted first-overall by Toronto in 2016. The 21-year-old has 42 points (20 goals, 22 assists) in 34 contests this season.
Dubas also added that — at the request of agent Darren Ferris — the team was not yet negotiating with fellow upcoming restricted free agent Mitchell Marner. Prior to the start of the year, Ferris made it clear that Marner would not be negotiating his contract until the end season, so this doesn’t come as a surprise.
Marner has been the Maple Leafs’ best player this season. In 48 games, the 21-year-old has scored 19 goals and added 42 assists.
In addition to Matthews and Marner, Toronto will also have to deal with the upcoming contracts of pending restricted free agents Kasperi Kapanen, Andreas Johnsson, Igor Ozhiganov and Garret Sparks, as well as unrestricted free agents Jake Gardiner, Ron Hainsey, Par Lindholm and Tyler Ennis at the end of the year.
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