Reports of Auston Matthews' desire to sign with Red Star Kunlun were apparently greatly exagerated (ok, quite possibly 100% made up), although along the way we got to learn allllllllllll about schedule A and B bonuses and Entry Level Contracts.
Today, Chris Johnston broke the news that Matthews has finally returned from his probable desert outpost for long enough to sign his name to a very lucrative piece of paper.
Auston Matthews signs entry-level deal with #leafs. Includes max bonuses and salary, per sources.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 21, 2016
Have received confirmation of @reporterchris tweet that Auston Matthews received max ELC. 3 yrs @ $925,000 cap hit, $3.775M AAV.
— General Fanager (@generalfanager) July 21, 2016
Lou Lamoriello says Matthews contract was done in 10 minutes with agent Pat Brisson.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 21, 2016
Auston Matthews' agent Pat Brisson says he "is getting the full permissible package for an entry level player" from the Leafs.
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) July 21, 2016
If you've been reading up, that means that Matthews got about as much out of Lou Lamoriello as he could. Were we doubting that Lou would give the #1 overall drafted prospect his due? Hmm. Yes, I think we probably were. Or at least this guy was. How about THEM apples, Kevin McGran?