Auston Matthews extension gives Leafs elusive long-term stability

10 10 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. It does mean that this team is not only trying to remain a championship contender for most of the decade, but it has a strong…