yeah we don't have to pretend this contract is amazing for the Leafs. it is kinda frustrating that he didn't sign for longer, but at the same time covid did seriously fuck with the cap so i can understand why a player would want a shorter contract right now.
the risk here is largely for Matthews, though, not the team, so not gonna complain about it too much.
also, we hear this "highest contract ever" nonsense every time a guy signs the highest contract ever. It's always replaced in short order by the next highest contract ever. Non-issue.