Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews: Signs entry-level contract Thursday

Matthews finalized the terms of a three-year, entry-level deal with Toronto on Thursday, James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail reports.

Analysis:

Matthews' contract negotiations originally stalled due to a dispute over performance bonuses; however, the two sides were able to reach an agreement prior to the start of the preseason. Selected first overall in the 2016 NHL Draft, the 18-year-old is facing high expectations from fans and fantasy owners alike who will be eager to snatch him up despite the lack of proven talent surrounding him in Toronto.