Dubas Confirms Leafs Currently Negotiating With Matthews.

"There's been lots of talk about the big offseason the Toronto Maple Leafs have ahead of them. The team needs to lock up superstars Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner along with making decisions on other RFA's like Kasperi Kapanen, Andreas Johnsson and Garrett Sparks add to that possible UFA's Jake Gardiner and Par Lindholm. Original reports had both the Matthews camp and Marner camp not willing to negotiate until the offseason but it looks like that's changed for at least one party. Maybe realizing their might not be much money around after the first is signed, Matthews camp has started negotiating with the Leafs on an extension. Kyle Dubas told Sportsnet's Chris Johnston that the Leafs have made progress on an extension and that they'd like to get it done ASAP before the trade deadline so they know how they can shape things long term.

Kyle Dubas says the #leafs have made progress on an extension for Auston Matthews. Ideally he'd like to get it done ASAP for long-term clarity before trade deadline. Adds they aren't negotiating with Mitch Marner at the request of Marner's agent, Darren Ferris.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) January 22, 2019

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