I don’t think Eichel is going to be a comparable for Matthews to be honest. His contract won’t really have an affect on Matthews.
It could be more, could be less. Leafs were trying to get creative trying to sign Stamkos, hope they can be creative trying to sign Matthews.
I believe Matthews will come somewhere between Eichel and McDavid. ~11M over 8 years. Only cheap contract Leafs will get is perhaps Marner. Nylander seems poised to get over 7.5-8 as well.
Good for Buffalo to lock up their superstar. He’s vital to their success. If he’s not happy, then the Sabres are screwed.