If i wanna win ill take Barkov. If im a canadian team trying to make money im taking Matthews.
Considering neither of them have ever won even a single playoff round, that's a weird comment. Barkov for example was -8 in 6 games in round 1 last year - you're not going to win much with your #1C having such numbers.
I voted Matthews, but it's close.
Last 4 years:
Matthews 229 games, 154 goals, 270 points, 1.18 ppg
Barkov 232 games, 102 goals, 256 points, 1.10 ppg
Matthews with superior ppg, and obviously clearly more goals.
Also - I still think Matthews may have an extra gear left we haven't seen yet, where he might peak as high as guys like Mack/Drai/Kuch for a couple of seasons. I don't think Barkov does. Even without this though, slight edge to Matthews