Yesterday, news leaked about Connor McDavid’s upcoming contract extension, expected to be worth $106 million over 8 years for a $13.25 AAV. Nobody’s surprised that his first big-boy contract will make him the highest-paid player in the league—I don’t care a whit about the Oilers’ cap situation, so get money get paid, Mr. McDavid—but it does raise questions about the kind of money Toronto’s very own franchise player will command down the line. Nice suits don’t buy themselves, after all.

Auston Matthews probably won’t command McDavid-level big money, but it’s a good indication of what we could be looking at when it’s time for him to sign his next contract. There are only two years left on Matthews’ ELC. Let’s just all be really, really nice to him for the next year in an attempt to persuade him to take a discount!

(This will not work, but it might help provide us with an illusion of control, which is something).

ICYMI

Leo Komarov needs to lower his visor - Pension Plan Puppets
The Maple Leafs pest has been named as someone who needs to change his habits

The winners and losers of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft - Pension Plan Puppets
The report cards from the draft are in!

CapFriendly confirms Leafs’ bonus overage is huge - Pension Plan Puppets
Stop wringing your hands over it.

The Leafs are having a development camp, and they’ve invited a guy we all know - Pension Plan Puppets
This isn’t the same as signing him, but it is an expression of continued interest.

Niagara IceDogs draft Toronto Maple Leafs pick Timothy Liljegren in CHL Import Draft - Pension Plan Puppets
The Leafs top pick goes 12th overall in the CHL Import Draft

Women’s Hockey Wednesday: Danielle Goyette joins the Hockey Hall of Fame - Pension Plan Puppets
Politics in Korea, Finnish league expansion, hockey season in Australia and plenty more!

Stuff We Didn’t Write

Defence Shopping: What's left for the Toronto Maple Leafs? -- Part 1 | Maple Leafs Hotstove
With Travis Hamonic – the big fish available in terms of a right-handed defenceman who can play shutdown minutes competently — now a Calgary Flame, the Toronto Maple Leafs aren’t left with many obvious solutions to the glaring hole on the right side of their defensive depth chart.

Brendan Smith Finalizing Extension with Rangers - Blueshirt Banter
The New York Rangers are reportedly close to finalizing a deal that extends defenseman Brendan Smith for four years, with a cap hit of $4.35 million.

Cory Conacher re-signed by Tampa Bay Lightning to two-year contract - Raw Charge
Conacher’s contract is worth $650,000, one-way for the first year, two-way for the second year.

Senators Re-Sign Mike Condon - Silver Seven
It’s a 3 year contract for the backup tender

Latest NHLPA dispute described as a ‘witch hunt’ - Article - TSN
After months of rumblings that a group of player agents are upset with the NHL Players’ Association’s leadership, the dispute described by a union source as a “witch hunt” spilled into the open on Tuesday during the union’s annual meeting.

Bonus article:

Ger Loughnane Finds Hurling's Link To Ice Hockey In Fascinating New Documentary | Balls.ie
This has nothing to do with the NHL, but I think we have some commenters who might find it interesting.

From The Branches