Do you consider Matthews a 'Generational' player or talent?

[Filthy Dangles]

In terms of his sheer impact on the ice and dominance vs his peers, I think he's on the fence. But given how unique and valuble his skillset is, very reliable center who pots an shitlton of goals 5on5, think that pushes him into generational for me.

Flame away...or agree?

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[CanadienShark]

No.

 

[Connor McConnor]

If he’s generational then we have 3-4 generational players within one generation. So no.

 

[WetcoastOrca]

Not yet. I’d say McDavid is this generations best player. Now if he can challenge some of Ovechkins records over a long career then we could have two generational guys.

 

[BigBadBruins7708]

No, Crosby and McDavid are what generational look like.

Matthews is a fantastic player and a rare talent, but he is not near the generational level

 

[Habano]

Absolutely

 

[TheDawnOfANewTage]

No, but Marner is .

 

[Dekes For Days]

He is unquestionably a generational goal scorer. Whether he's a generational player or not is up to the definition one uses.

 

[M2Beezy]

Objectively, hes definitely a top ten forward in the league right now. Hes THAT good

 

[Dion TheFluff]

No. u can likely argue that he is a generational goal scorer (especially if he can rip off another 60+ goal season) but isn't quite at the level of the likes of McDavid, Crosby, Lemieux ect ect

 

[BlueBaron]

From a goalscorer point of view he is. He seems to be keeping up with Ovechkin who is his obvious measuring stick.

Durability is the only concern which has nothing to do with his talent.

We didn't speak of Ovechkin as generational until he started threatening Gretzky so it's not unreasonable to want Auston to prove more.

If he can keep his separation from peers up it should become a consideration, especially considering his closest rival leans heavily on a generational player to keep in the conversation.

 

[hamzarocks]

Objectively, hes definitely a top ten forward in the league right now. Hes THAT good

Dude he's a top 5 player in the league at minimum

McDavid, Drai, Matthews, Mack, Makar, Kucherov are 6 of the top 5 players with one of the guys after McDavid missing

All are top 5 level but only 4 spots outside of McDavid

McDavid
(slight gap)
Kucherov
Matthews
Mack/Drai
Drai/Mack
Makar

 

[leafsfan5]

No

He's a generational goal scorer, but not a generational player. He's in the level below that as of now

 

[snipes]

No.

He is an outstanding player though and clearly a top 4 center in the NHL.

 

[BlueBaron]

Objectively, hes definitely a top ten forward in the league right now. Hes THAT good

Water is wet.....

 

[SmoggyTwinkles]

We're doing this again? I'm assuming it's NOT a nice day in Greenland? I'm going outside.

 

[norrisnick]

I absolutely hate that generational ever entered the sports lexicon. It's just a muddy descriptor that leads to overuse which completely dilutes its meaning.

Like priority. If everything is a priority, nothing is.

I'd argue there hasn't been a generational forward since Lemieux before I concede there to be half a dozen since Lemieux.

 

[TheNumber4]

Not only is he generational, he’s generational for generational players. He’s set so many records, other generational players can’t touch him: First generational player to never threaten to lead the league in scoring. First generational player to never win a playoff round in his first 6 years. First generational player to be routinely outscored by non generational players.

 

[Sasha Orlov]

No but he is very good and that should be enough idk why it isn’t

 

[Bounces R Way]

Nope. At the top end of the franchise player category though.

 

[PB37]

Franchise player - yes

Generational - no

 

[socko]

Oh yes. He has a very realistic chance of being the first guy to score 70 goals since the 1992-93 season. He is going to own the Richard trophy for a while barring injury.

 

[Tuggy]

The phrase "generational player" has lost all meaning if Matthews is considered one.

He's a top 5 player in the league, some may argue only top 10.

But if he was generational then he'd be at the very least considered a top 2 player.

The title of generational player should be reserved for very few.

It's not an insult to say Matthews isn't, because he's not one. His fans don't need to defend *everything*.

 

[TopChedder]

Gretzky
Orr
Mario
Howe
Sid (imagine if he never lost his prime to injury)

Everyone else are exceptional franchise players.

 

[Steve]

McDavid for me and probably Sid.

IMO I've only got 99, 66 and 4 on my all time.