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Auston Matthews extension gives Leafs elusive long-term stability

Toronto forward William Nylander is reportedly looking for a new contract north of $10M but while playoff performances suggest the 27-year-old is as valuable as his better-paid teammates, the Maple Leafs can't afford to sign another double-figure deal.

Before Auston Matthews signed a four-year, $53-million extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday, the team was looking at a murky future.

Having Matthews on the books through 2027-28 is no guarantee of success, whether that means deep playoff runs or the end of the team's infamous Stanley Cup drought.