Matthews poised to become NHL’s top earner
Forget John Tavares. When it comes to re-signing Auston Matthews, could the Toronto Maple Leafs centre end up signing for more money than Connor McDavid?
In other words, will Matthews be the highest-paid player in the NHL a year from now?
This isn’t a debate on who is the best player in the world, but rather a reflection of what the salary cap was two years ago when McDavid signed ($77 million) and what it’s projected to be ($83.5 million) when Matthews’ entry-level contract expires next year.
That’s a $6.5-million increase. And you can bet it’s something that will reflect in what Matthews ends up getting.
When McDavid signed an eight-year deal worth $100 million, the annual average of $12.5 million was 16.7 per cent of the total salary cap. If Matthews wants that same percentage, his annual salary will be $13.9 million. And for those suggesting that Matthews would take less for the “good of the team,” consider that McDavid’s original deal was reportedly $13.25 million (17.2 per cent), so Matthews could make even more if he wanted.
Still don’t think Matthews is worth McDavid money? Well, take a look at their numbers.
When it comes to point production, there really is no comparison.
Matthews, who is producing 1.64 points per game, has 155 points in his first 158 games. In his first 158 games, McDavid put up 187 points. He is coming off back-to-back 100-point seasons. He’s won the Art Ross Trophy twice on a team that lacks secondary scoring.
But where Matthews has the edge on McDavid is in the goalscoring department.
McDavid scored 58 goals in his first 158 games. Matthews has 89 in the same span. He finished second in the Rocket Richard Trophy race with 40 goals as a rookie and already has 15 goals in 14 games this season.
Again, some might say that McDavid is the better player. And they might be right. But when it comes to determining his worth, there is no debating the fact that the rise of the cap has changed what either player should earn.
Had there not been a rookie age cap limit, 30-year-old Mikko Koskinen would be an early favourite for the Calder Trophy. The Oilers goalie, who spent the past six years in the KHL, has a .925 save percentage after 13 games … if you’re Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher, do you now take a look at Edmonton’s Cam Talbot, who’s been the backup goalie for the last four games? … I believe William Nylander when he said Kyle Dubas told him that he wouldn’t be traded as long as Dubas is the GM. I also believe Dubas will regret those comments. No one knows what next year — much less the next six years — will look like for this team … the cap is projected to rise by $3.5 million next season.