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Matthews reacts to being told that he's well on pace to break Sundin's Leafs goals and points records

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Mike Armenti
August 26, 2023 (12:09)

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This week was an exciting one for Leafs Nation as Auston Matthews finally inked his new contract, a 4-year deal worth $13.25M per season. For fans, it means no more rumours about Matthews potentially leaving next summer. For Matthews, it means no more questions about his contract status. He's a Leaf for at least the next 5 years and can focus on achieving what this team set out to achieve following their rebuild; to try to win a Stanley Cup.

Matthews' legacy in Toronto is already an impressive one, becoming the first Leaf in history to score 60 goals in a single season. He is, however, in line to break a few other franchise records. If Matthews can average 24 goals per season for the next 5 seasons and 89 points per season for the next 5 seasons, he will usurp Mats Sundin as the Leafs' all-time leading goal scorer and the all-time points leader for the organization. Dave McCarthy from NHL.com asked Matthews how he feels about those potential milestones this week.

"I think it's something that definitely pops up in the back of your mind every once in awhile. My biggest priority as a Maple Leaf is to be the best teammate and the best player that I can be and obviously to do what I can to take this team where we're trying to go. I think all of the other accolades... if that stuff happens, that's great, but obviously we're all chasing one goal in particular and that's definitely the most important." - Matthews on the opportunity he has to become the franchise's all-time leading goal scorer and points leader

Matthews currently sits just 1 goal shy of 300 in his career, with 299 goals - good for 5th on the all-time list currently, behind only Ron Ellis (332), Dave Keon (365), Darryl Sittler (389) and Mats Sundin (420). He's also 11th in points with 542. Sundin leads the way in that category as well with 987 career points.

Obviously, these are accolades that a player will reflect on more after they retire than they will in the moment. For Matthews, he has held firm to the idea that the only accolade that matters is winning a Stanley Cup, so that remains the goal at the forefront of his mind. Any other records, awards or milestones will pale in comparison to what it would mean to him to bring a Championship to Toronto.

Previously on MapleLeafsDaily

Leafs GM discusses the arbitration process with Ilya Samsonov and reveals how both sides are feeling about the deal

With the salary cap on the rise, Matthews' contract should age like fine wine

Former 3rd overall pick signs his 3rd contract in the last 2 months after having two contracts terminated

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26 AOUT \| 464 ANSWERS Matthews reacts to being told that he's well on pace to break Sundin's Leafs goals and points records What do you think will happen first; Auston Matthews winning a Cup in Toronto or Auston Matthews passing Mats Sundin as Leafs all-time points leader?
Passing Mats	251	54.1 %
Winning a Cup	150	32.3 %
Neither will happen	63	13.6 %
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