With training camps in full swing now, it’s unsurprising that hockey headlines are starting to come out of their lull. Reporters are back on the beat, sources are getting tapped again, and with that are a few news stories with actual substance to them.

For the Leafs, in the last couple days that has meant updates on Auston Matthews and the growing opinion that he will sign a new contract in Toronto next summer to stay for at least another four-to-five years beyond his current deal. And more recently, and less importantly, the Rasmus Sandin situation seems to have a little traction on it, with the sides having ongoing conversations about what will end this mini-holdout of his.

But let’s get back to Matthews, because anything involving him is of massive importance. Hearing that the growing sentiment is he will be a Leaf for up to 7 more seasons is simply an enormous relief to any fan of the club. There is no other way to cut it.

NHL

Rasmus Sandin signs two-year contract extension with Leafs

To go with the Matthews speculation, along with some recent news of things like the Mackinnon signing, there’s a lot of discussion to be had about second and third contracts for some of the league’s highest and to-be-highest earners. And it’s well-covered that no team has more of them than Toronto. Nylander and Matthews need new contracts two seasons from now (meaning they likely sign next summer), while Tavares and Marner are in line a year later.

Then in 2026 there is Connor McDavid. And no matter how much this seems like fantasy-land talk (I even feel weird writing it), there is a very, very real chance those two sides will have each other on their radar. They likely already do. Factor in the growing sense the league is due for a player empowerment movement in line with the NBA, and I think anyone who dismisses this possibility is acting a little silly.

In the interim, things seem pretty buttoned up in terms of the Leafs’ approach to Matthews. He can ask for as much as he wants essentially, but his actual contract next summer will probably come in around $13.5-14 million AAV on the high end.