Friedman reveals Matthews' shocking contractual demand

When healthy, Auston Matthews is one of the best players in the NHL. He has proven he can score at a top-notch rate and has some hardware to prove he is able to be a game-breaking player.

Coming off of a down year plagued with injuries, Matthews will be looking to bounce back next year. He is also due for a new contract after next year. His new contract is Brad Treliving and the Maple Leafs' top priority this offseason.

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman has revealed what Auston Matthews will be asking for in a new contract and it is shocking.

Graphic via @puckempire on Instagram

This would make Matthews the highest-paid player in the NHL and will also be a short contract relative to the value. Most contracts signed in the upper echelon are max term but this looks to be a move Matthews wants to make to maximize income.

This would allow him to get two big contracts and then a long-term contract at 30 or 31 years old which would maximize his career earnings. It will be interesting to watch how this saga plays out and we will see if Matthews will get his demands met.