BayStreetBully
Registered User
I think you're going to be disappointed when Matthews isn't signed for $10 mil per X 8. IMO
That seems more like what you want to happen and not really what will happen.
While all Leaf fans would love him locked up for a cheap as possible for as long as possible because that serves their own interest bests believing it makes the Leafs more Cup competitive, that doesn't take into account the market, comparables, the Cap ceiling and standard negotiating process of stars get a % of the Cap ceiling.
Players don't ask for a specific flat amount #, as their agents generally negotiate the amount based on a % of the overall team Salary Cap.
McDavid's agent negotiated a C.H.%: 16.67 (Cap hit percentage of Cap ceiling) & $12.5 mil AAV . If you follow this pattern and say Matthews C.H% = 15% then with a $80 mil cap ceiling = $12 mil per.
If you look at other Pat Brisson agents Crosby (C.H.%: 14.50) in 2012, Toews (C.H.%: 15.22), Kane (C.H.%: 15.22) in 2014 you can see how he operates and Lou Lam will not be going up against an unknown here but rather an agent who represents the best in the game on his client list.
His agent can ask for whatever he wants. It’s still the team that will be the ones handing out the cheques. I think you underestimate this is a two-sided negotiation, and the Leafs do have leverage. This isn’t a matter of Matthews’ agent saying “here, sign and gimme.”