The Maple Leafs added a talent of note in selecting Auston Matthews first overall at the 2016 NHL entry draft, and took the next step forward with him Thursday in signing him to an entry-level, three-year contract. And for Toronto GM Lou Lamoriello, the organization’s comfort level with the 18-year-old could not be better.
“Watching how he has handled himself throughout the process prior to the draft and post-draft, the comfortability from my end of it and our organization is exceptional,” Lamoriello said in a media conference call in regard to his relationship with Matthews. “(The contract) was never in question from our end of it, (and) I don’t think from Auston’s end of it.