Latest news with #AustonMatthews
Time of India
18 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Eight Toronto Maple Leafs featured in Daily Faceoff's top 300 fantasy hockey rankings ahead of 2025–26 NHL season
Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images Daily Faceoff's Matt Larkin has released his annual top 300 fantasy hockey player rankings ahead of the 2025–26 NHL season, and the Toronto Maple Leafs have eight players on the list. The rankings factor in multi-category production, positional value, and projected roles heading into the season. While familiar names made the cut, there were a few surprises in terms of both placement and omissions. Auston Matthews tops fantasy hockey rankings, William Nylander and Matthew Knies also among top Toronto Maple Leafs picks for 2025–26 NHL season Auston Matthews was the highest-ranked Maple Leaf, coming in at No. 10 overall. Despite questions surrounding his recent injury history and the departure of Mitch Marner, Larkin sees potential for a strong bounce-back campaign. William Nylander followed at No. 19, largely due to his offensive consistency and projected increased role in the post-Marner lineup. Matthew Knies landed at No. 59, thanks to a breakout season that featured 29 goals and 182 hits. While his power-play production was limited, his physical play and potential for increased ice time made him a standout mid-round fantasy pick. John Tavares slotted in at No. 80 after a 38-goal season, although his age and elevated shooting percentage were noted as concerns. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Gold Is Surging in 2025 — Smart Traders Are Already In IC Markets Learn More Undo Leafs fantasy depth includes Anthony Stolarz, Joseph Woll, Morgan Rielly, and Matias Maccelli Goaltender Anthony Stolarz came in at No. 88, earning recognition as Toronto's top-ranked netminder. His numbers from last season closely mirrored those of Connor Hellebuyck, but injury concerns and his tandem role tempered expectations. Joseph Woll followed at No. 154, while Morgan Rielly and Matias Maccelli landed at Nos. 210 and 243, respectively. In addition to the eight ranked Leafs, three others, Easton Cowan, Bobby McMann, and Max Domi were named as bubble players who could break through with strong starts to the season. With eight players ranked in the top 300, the Maple Leafs remain a key team to watch in fantasy hockey heading into 2025–26. While stars like Matthews and Nylander remain reliable options, emerging talent like Knies and solid depth picks in net give fantasy managers several Toronto-based options across all draft tiers. FAQs: 1. How many Toronto Maple Leafs were ranked in Daily Faceoff's Top 300 for 2025–26? Eight Leafs players made the list. 2. Who is the highest-ranked Maple Leafs player in the 2025–26 fantasy rankings? Auston Matthews is the highest-ranked Leafs player. Also Read: NHL trade rumors: Nazem Kadri could join Montreal Canadiens after Toronto Maple Leafs blocked by Calgary Flames Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
New NHL CBA Will Make It Tougher For Canadian Teams To Compete
TORONTO, ON - APRIL 27: Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs sets for a face-off against ... More the Boston Bruins during the second period in Game Four of the First Round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on April 27, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Sousa/NHLI via Getty Images) It was already tough for NHL teams in Canada to compete. Taxes are high, the weather isn't great and the media scrutiny is intense (just ask Mitch Marner). Well, the new NHL CBA is about to make things a bit more challenging for Canadian teams. The issue relates to taxes. Under the old CBA, all of a player's contract could be comprised of signing bonuses except for the CBA mandated yearly minimum salary. That has changed. The new CBA limits bonuses to 60% of a contract. Why does this matter? The Canadian tax on signing bonuses for non-residents of Canada is limited to 15%, with the player then paying the balance owing at the prevailing tax rate in his home state in the United States. So while a player who claims to be a resident of a U.S. state pays taxes in both Canada and the U.S., the combined tax savings is significant, potentially saving the player millions of dollars over the term of the contract. So to minimize the tax burden, some players on Canadian teams structure their contracts primarily by way of signing bonuses knowing those bonuses will only be taxed at 15% in Canada. That's why you sometimes see a player sign a deal with the CBA base salary of $775,000 and the other $10 million in signing bonuses. Taxes, taxes, taxes. Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthew signed a 4 year/$53,000,000 with $49,650,000 in signing bonuses. By structuring the contract with 94% in signing bonuses, Arizona resident Matthews stands to enjoy a substantial tax savings. On his last deal alone, Matthews saved around $4 million in taxes across his 5 year deal worth $58,201,250. MONTREAL, CANADA - FEBRUARY 3: Carey Price #31 of the Montreal Canadiens makes a pad save on the ... More puck on an attempt by Daniel Alfredsson #11 of the Ottawa Senators during the NHL game at the Bell Centre on February 3, 2013 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Canadiens defeated the Senators 2-1. (Photo by) Matthews isn't the only player that has signed bonus laden contracts with a Canadian team to diminish the tax impact. Carey Price's contract has $70 million of the $84 million allocated to signing bonuses, which amounts to 84% of the total value of the contract. On his $122 million deal, 93% of Leon Draisaitl's contract is signing bonuses. And 75% of William Nylander's contract is comprised of signing bonuses. The money adds up quickly. With players having finite careers and finite earning potential, saving as much money as possible matters. And now there can be as much as an additional 35% of a player's income exposed to the very high Canadian tax rates. With the Canadiens, Leafs, Senators and Canucks leading the league in income tax rates, and with all seven Canadian teams in the top eleven in the NHL, things just got a bit more complicated for Canadian teams. It's tough enough with these teams competing against teams in tax free states like Florida, Tennessee, Nevada and Texas. And now, a relief valve for Canadian teams has been partially closed.
Time of India
20-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Auston Matthews: Inside the NHL star's meteoric rise, personal life, and powerhouse career with the Toronto Maple Leafs
NHL-Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs (Credit: Getty Images) Born on September 17, 1997, in San Ramon, California. Auston Matthews was raised in Scottsdale, Arizona. While baseball initially caught his attention, hockey quickly took over. By age five, he was regularly attending Phoenix Coyotes games. His hand-eye coordination set him apart from his peers, and he eventually joined the USA Hockey National Team Development Program. Matthews took an unconventional route to the NHL. And spending a season with the ZSC Lions in the Swiss National League. Instead of playing NCAA or Canadian junior hockey, his strong performance overseas raised his draft stock. This is leading to the Toronto Maple Leafs selecting him No. 1 overall in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, the first American to do so since Patrick Kane. 34 Amazing Auston Matthews Highlights A record-setting NHL debut and a Leafs legacy in motion Matthews's debut in the National Hockey League was nothing short of sensational. In his first game, he scored four goals, setting a modern-era record for a rookie. His 40-goal rookie campaign earned him the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's best newcomer. He became only the second teen since the 2004–05 lockout to hit that goal milestone, joining Alexander Ovechkin. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo With multiple All-Star appearances, two Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophies, and a Hart Memorial Trophy under his belt, Matthews continues to elevate the Toronto Maple Leafs. His recent contract extension, four years at $53 million with an average annual value of $13.25 million, cements his status as the franchise cornerstone through 2028. 10 Things Toronto Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews Can't Live Without | GQ Sports Life off the ice: Education, love, and brand power Matthews lives a well-rounded life beyond the rink. He studied online at the University of Nebraska, Omaha, and often trains with teammates Mitch Marner and Morgan Rielly in Toronto. He's been in a long-term relationship with Emily Ruttledge, a research assistant and graduate of Pepperdine University and LSE. He's also a marketing powerhouse, endorsing brands like Apple, Bauer, and Porsche; his love for luxury cars includes a Porsche 911 Turbo S and a Lamborghini Urus, and in 2021, he launched his own NFT series. This is generating $200,000 in sales on the first day. The Secret To Auston Matthews' Wicked Release | On The Couch With Colby Stats, accolades, and what's next for Matthews In just over 500 games, Matthews has tallied 315 goals and 252 assists for 567 points, he's a six-time NHL All-Star. And a two-time scoring champion, and the 2022 Hart Trophy winner, despite his youth, he's already one of the most decorated American players in NHL history. With a net worth exceeding $60 million and a growing legacy in Toronto. Auston Matthews is not just a star; he's shaping the next era of the National Hockey League. Also Read: Five big NHL stars' names headline potential shakeups in the upcoming trade as teams look ahead to major roster decisions Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Exploring the friendship between Auston Matthews and Justin Bieber as the NHL star supports his surprise ‘Swag' album
Auston Matthews and Justin Bieber's tight bond grows stronger as NHL star celebrates 'Swag' album drop (Getty Images) Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews is clearly vibing with Justin Bieber 's latest musical surprise. Following the unexpected drop of Bieber's 21-track album titled Swag, Matthews shared two Instagram stories over the weekend that sent Leafs fans and Beliebers buzzing alike. Auston Matthews responds to Justin Bieber's surprise 'Swag' album In the first story, Auston Matthews posted Bieber's track 'YUKON' from the album, proudly displaying the black-and-white cover art bearing the title SWAG along with a parental advisory label. Tagging the pop star directly, Matthews added a fire heart emoji — a not-so-subtle endorsement from the NHL star. He doubled down on his support in a second story, sharing 'WAY IT IS,' a collaboration between Bieber and rapper Gunna. The Leafs forward kept it short and expressive, simply writing: 'Yep.' While some fans may find the exchange casual, it's yet another chapter in the deep friendship and mutual admiration between Matthews and Bieber. Their bond has long gone beyond Instagram tags and emoji reactions. Bieber, a die-hard Maple Leafs fan, has not only attended countless games but has even collaborated with the team on special jersey designs in past seasons. Just last month, Bieber showed off his Maple Leafs pride in a heartwarming Instagram post featuring his 10-month-old son, Jack Blues Bieber, dressed in a No. 34 Auston Matthews jersey. The Leafs' official account responded with three blue heart emojis, marking a full-circle moment of support between the player and the pop icon. During the Leafs' most recent playoff run, Bieber and his wife Hailey were spotted in VIP seats behind the team's bench in Game 7 against the Florida Panthers. Though the game ended in a devastating 6-1 loss, Bieber posted a tribute that reminded fans of his unwavering support: 'I don't remember a time in my life when I haven't been obsessed with the leafsssss,' he wrote. 'This year we made it farther than we have in so long and I'm happy about that. I can be patient cuz I know this is the team to do it.' Also Read: Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin gear up to challenge another untouchable Wayne Gretzky record in 2025-26 NHL season Even after Canadian rapper Drake jokingly blamed the 'Bieber curse' for the team's playoff exit, it's clear the loyalty between Bieber and the Leafs—especially with Auston Matthews—is as strong as ever. And with Swag on the speakers, the Maple Leafs' locker room just might have found its newest soundtrack. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Auston Matthews reacts with excitement on social media to Justin Bieber's surprise album swag
Auston Matthews shows support for Justin Bieber's album 'Swag' through Instagram reactions (Image Via IG/@austonmatthews) In a heartwarming crossover from music to sports, Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews paid tribute to his longtime supporter Justin Bieber , who had casually dropped an unexpected 21-track album titled Swag. Instead of going for interviews or making formal statements, Matthews shared stories on Instagram featuring some of the album's music with emoji reactions and tagging- a subtle yet unmistakable show of appreciation for both artist and fan. Auston Matthews shows support for Justin Bieber's album 'Swag' through Instagram reactions Auston Matthews reacts with excitement on social media to Justin Bieber's surprise album swag (Image Via IG/@austonmatthews) Auston Matthews remains one of the biggest names in the National Hockey League, often keeping his profile low away from the ice. His commentableness, however, when it comes to cheering for superfans and buddies like Justin Bieber, knows no bounds. He shared two Instagram stories on Saturday showcasing tracks from Swag, shifting the limelight to Bieber's surprise album released the same day. Auston Matthews reacts with excitement on social media to Justin Bieber's surprise album swag (Image Via IG/@austonmatthews) The first post saw Matthews featuring the track 'YUKON' with a black album cover stamped with the word 'SWAG' plus a Parental Advisory sticker. Matthews tagged Bieber's account with a fire-heart emoji that both hockey and music fans took note of. An additional track from the album, 'WAY IT IS" featuring Gunna, would later be shared by Matthews with a pithy yet meaningful caption, "Yep." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Beachfront Living in Mumbai at Sunteck Beach Residences Sunteck Realty Learn More Undo Bieber has been a staunch and lifelong Leafs fan. Just a mere few weeks before the album release, the pop star was posting pictures of his infant son Jack Blues Bieber decked out in a Maple Leafs jersey, a not any kind of jersey but one bearing the number 34 of Auston Matthews himself. This post generated a lot of fan chatter before it even elicited a response from the official Leafs Instagram account. This connection goes even further than anything seen online; during the Stanley Cup Playoffs earlier this year, Bieber and his wife Hailey were spotted supporting the team sitting behind the Leafs' bench. Bieber kept posting photos and messages of allegiance even post their elimination. After their exit from the playoffs, pop-culture jokes about a "Bieber curse" were made, but the artist stays true to his blue-and-white support, while Matthews, of course, appreciates Bieber's musical talent. Also Read: Isaak Phillips signs two-year contract with Winnipeg Jets, eyes NHL roster spot Though brief, Auston Matthews' response to Swag reflected an authentic friendship between two icons: one of music and the other of hockey. As Bieber goes on to support the Leafs, Matthews' simple yet earnest response magnifies the mutual admiration that is shared between the star performer and superfan. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!
