New CBA Gives Leafs Unexpected Ammunition to Keep Matthews

The newly ratified collective bargaining agreement contains provisions that could work heavily in Toronto's favor when it comes time to re-sign Auston Matthews in 2028. The Leafs have been burned before by losing franchise players, but this new CBA framework gives them leverage they didn't have in previous negotiations. Matthews is still in his prime and the Leafs know they need to keep their core intact, and these new rules might be the difference between keeping him or watching him walk.