Will Matthews match his career high of 40g-29a-69pts this season?

[BertCorbeau]

He is not better than Eichel, he is very comparable to Eichel at best.

2017-18

Toronto Maple Leafs

NHL

48

26

21

47

4

26

[TBODY] [/TBODY]

2017-18

Buffalo Sabres

NHL

55

22

31

53

28

-14

[TBODY] [/TBODY]

I could even argue Eichel's wing is weaker. The team as a whole is absolutely weaker. Eichel is doing more with less, same size, weight and all the rest. Been that way for years with Matthews a tiny bit better.

BTW: You never give anyone what they want. I understand now you are gushing over Matthews but that's not the way life works.

Matthews' and Eichel are comparable offensively but that's really it. Even at that Eichel gets 1 and 1/2 more minutes of PP time and ice time overall, on average, this season. Plus he's getting 60% zone starts in the o-zone, whereas Matthews is more 50-50.

On top of that Eichel's work ethic and compete level have been pretty apparent with their fanbase, as in he takes shifts off throughout the game and can disappear. Defensively it's pretty clear Matthews is superior. He's also about 50-50 on his takeaways and giveaways, while Eichel is almost 2 giveaways for every 1 takeaway. Plus Eichel is a brutal 41% on the face-offs this season and 40% for his early career while Matthews' is at 55% this season, and nearly 50% for his career.

Matthews' easily gets at least Eichel's contract as a minimum, anything less would be pure wizardy by Shanagement. I do think that he won't get close to McDavid money though, I have faith in Lou Lam that he'll be able to really convince Matthews to not be too greedy.

 

[thewave]

Not sure what size, weight and the rest has to to with anything, and Eichel is averaging two minutes more per game. He is definitely not doing more with less, there's a better case for the opposite. His most common linemates are Evander Kane and Sam Reinhart, if I'm not mistaken. Not exactly bad. And he's also on the other end of the scale in terms of defensive and off the puck-play.

He's absolutely a comparable, but Matthews is more than a tiny bit ahead.

Kane is a problematic player that has been removed in the past. He is being shipped off now and not given a contract for a reason. Reinhart is nothing special to me at all, Hyman is outproducing him. I would take Nylander on my wing ANY DAY OF THE WEEK compared to that. Willy also spent nearly half of his season under the weather (or something - he was moving half speed for 20-30 games) but since then is back approaching .80ppg *He has PPG potential that neither Reinhart or Kane have that ability, oh and lets not forget who is carrying the puck in for Matthews more than 50% of the time, that's Nylander there Nith.

I think you need to really go back to the drawing board and scrutinize your conclusion on this one. I know I want to see Matthews without his slippery thoroughbred. Let's see how Matthews does with say, Kapanen (who to me is more a Kane comparable possibly down the line).

 

[thewave]

Matthews' and Eichel are comparable offensively but that's really it. Even at that Eichel gets 1 and 1/2 more minutes of PP time and ice time overall, on average, this season. Plus he's getting 60% zone starts in the o-zone, whereas Matthews is more 50-50.

On top of that Eichel's work ethic and compete level have been pretty apparent with their fanbase, as in he takes shifts off throughout the game and can disappear. Defensively it's pretty clear Matthews is superior. He's also about 50-50 on his takeaways and giveaways, while Eichel is almost 2 giveaways for every 1 takeaway. Plus Eichel is a brutal 41% on the face-offs this season and 40% for his early career while Matthews' is at 55% this season, and nearly 50% for his career.

Matthews' easily gets at least Eichel's contract as a minimum, anything less would be pure wizardy by Shanagement. I do think that he won't get close to McDavid money though, I have faith in Lou Lam that he'll be able to really convince Matthews to not be too greedy.

It's systemic problems and get rid of that Kane kid, bad news. Reinhart is a failure for his draft position IMO. If they fix it up Bert, Eichel will be on the same pedestal as Matthews here. Very comparable players in an incomparable System / Development platform.

I don't even think it a stretch to say that if Nylander were playing with Eichel... well, I think Eichel would be over PPG right now and exceeding Matthews offensive output.

 

[Diamond Joe Quimby]

Is this a serious discussion, or did I stumble upon some kind of wicked game of tongue in cheek sarcasm?

 

[thewave]

Is this a serious discussion, or did I stumble upon some kind of wicked game of tongue in cheek sarcasm?

Yes it is. Eichel and Matthews are comparable players. Same class. Matthews has a superior winger in Nylander (PPG potential). Eichel has Kane (Has his warts and is being shipped out again). Teams are not comparable in how they are managed or coached as well.

What do you think? Let me guess... Matthews is McDavid like everyone else here is fawning on about after a couple multi point games.

Just saying, the only thing comparable Matthews to McDavid is that they both wear skates. He is on another level lest there be any doubt as to where I stand.

 

[BertCorbeau]

It's systemic problems and get rid of that Kane kid, bad news. Reinhart is a failure for his draft position IMO. If they fix it up Bert, Eichel will be on the same pedestal as Matthews here. Very comparable players in an incomparable System / Development platform.

I don't even think it a stretch to say that if Nylander were playing with Eichel... well, I think Eichel would be over PPG right now and exceeding Matthews offensive output.

So.. Wait. It's Kane/Reinhart/their system's fault that Eichel isn't good on faceoffs and takes shifts off? At what point is Eichel accountable for his own play then? The same Eichel that got his coach fired last season and whines to the media about things not going his way?

There's more evidence to suggest that Eichel is part of the problem with the team's environment rather than the other way around.

And it's like you ignored everything else I said. I agree Matthews and Eichel and comparable offensively. But Matthews' has a superior 200' game and a Calder trophy to boot.

 

[thewave]

So.. Wait. It's Kane/Reinhart/their system's fault that Eichel isn't good on faceoffs and takes shifts off? At what point is Eichel accountable for his own play then? The same Eichel that got his coach fired last season and whines to the media about things not going his way?

There's more evidence to suggest that Eichel is part of the problem with the team's environment rather than the other way around.

And it's like you ignored everything else I said. I agree Matthews and Eichel and comparable offensively. But Matthews' has a superior 200' game and a Calder trophy to boot.

Sounds like extreme home team Bias to me Bert. Matthews practically didn't produce for what 20 games? He has done that a couple times in two seasons. What do you say about that? I like him as much as the next fan but lets be really honest here. Kane was dumped and is getting dumped again. Reinhart for a #2 overall is a bust. Nylander is a freaking PLAYMAKING MACHINE and ZONE ENTRY DIETY. We have 3 high potential PPG players on this team. Break up Matthews from Nylander and lets see what happens, it has to happen sooner or later anyways. We need Nylander at C.

PS. It's very easy to look terrible defensively on the Buffalo Sabres with Kane and Reinhart on your line. Just the same as it is easy to look amazing defensively with possession monster Nylander and grinder extrodinaire Hyman. Not taking away from Matthews on contribution here, he is good as well but lets be realistic.

 

[Walshy7]

He is not better than Eichel, he is very comparable to Eichel at best.

2017-18

Toronto Maple Leafs

NHL

48

26

21

47

4

26

[TBODY] [/TBODY]

2017-18

Buffalo Sabres

NHL

55

22

31

53

28

-14

[TBODY] [/TBODY]

I could even argue Eichel's wing is weaker. The team as a whole is absolutely weaker. Eichel is doing more with less, same size, weight and all the rest. Been that way for years with Matthews a tiny bit better.

BTW: You never give anyone what they want. I understand now you are gushing over Matthews but that's not the way life works.

because pointzzzzz right? we should bring back Phil kessel.

Matthews is almost another tier on eichel, you cherry picking stats doesn't change that. YOu so desperately want a Matthews on a cheap deal, I don't think you will find many other leafs fans who care what he ends up getting

 

[thewave]

because pointzzzzz right? we should bring back Phil kessel.

Matthews is almost another tier on eichel, you cherry picking stats doesn't change that. YOu so desperately want a Matthews on a cheap deal, I don't think you will find many other leafs fans who care what he ends up getting

No Walshy, they are just both very similar good players. Matthews is not McDavid, sorry. He is not Crosby, sorry. He is also not Malkin but he is Matthews and he is ours. He is about the same tier as Sundin and that's good enough to win with in my books. It's just not good enough to win with paying him 14million dollars a season.

 

[BlueForever75]

Anyone that is putting Eichel and Matthews on the same level is absurd. If you are going based on solely points then that is a shame because Matthews plays 3:30 less on average a night then Eichel does but is still at the same level of points. Matthews plays 2:00 alone in less ice time a night on the PP where 1/3 of Eichels points are garnered. And Matthews doesn't need to play SH time because we have specialists to do so, but Matthews would definitely be able to do so.

5 vs 5 Matthews is head over heals better then Eichel. 90% of his points are accumulated there unlike Eichel. As for the wingers, understand that Matthews elevates his peers games. You really want to cry about Eichel's linemates!!!! We have Hyman on Matthews line every game every minute. So what would Matthews stats be if we had someone like Marleau or JVR on his line?

 

[Walshy7]

No Walshy, they are just both very similar good players. Matthews is not McDavid, sorry. He is not Crosby, sorry. He is also not Malkin but he is Matthews and he is ours. He is about the same tier as Sundin and that's good enough to win with in my books. It's just not good enough to win with paying him 14million dollars a season.

no he is not mcdavid and Eichel is not Matthews. You are so desperate to get Matthews cheap you are undervaluing him. Matthews is better at everything on the ice except scoring and scoring is about even.
Mcdavid $12.5M
Eichel $10.5M
Matthews $11.5

that is pretty much how they in terms of talent and skill

 

[BlueForever75]

No Walshy, they are just both very similar good players. Matthews is not McDavid, sorry. He is not Crosby, sorry. He is also not Malkin but he is Matthews and he is ours. He is about the same tier as Sundin and that's good enough to win with in my books. It's just not good enough to win with paying him 14million dollars a season.

First off he wont make 14 million a season. Secondly, Matthews single handedly can take over a game. So yes he is a Crosby or a McDavid or a Malkin or a Kane or who ever you want to compare him to. Matthews is not being over used as all the previously mentioned players have been in their careers. This doesn't mean because the ice time and results aren't at the same level as the other players that he isn't as good or better.

Keep in mind Edmonton has to use McDavid as much as they do because they cant roll 4 lines. If they didn't they would be far worse then they already are in the standings. How you can say Matthews is not at the same level as those players is comical. Don't know what hockey you have been watching but definitely not the Leafs.

 

[GoonieFace]

No Walshy, they are just both very similar good players. Matthews is not McDavid, sorry. He is not Crosby, sorry. He is also not Malkin but he is Matthews and he is ours. He is about the same tier as Sundin and that's good enough to win with in my books. It's just not good enough to win with paying him 14million dollars a season.

Obviously you haven't watched Matthews play. He has the ability to absolutely dominate games. Nevermind that 90% of his points are 5v5 points as well. He is a tier above Eichel. Its like saying Marchessault (20g 34a, 54pts) is as good as Matthews because he has more points. Doesn't work that way.

 

[thewave]

ITT: Leafs fans gush about their 1st overall pick. Yes I know he is good, very good. He just is not McDavid, Crosby, Malkin, Kopitar, Bergeron(This year especially) amongst some others. Go into the main forums and start making claims like that, I dare ya.

 

[BertCorbeau]

Sounds like extreme home team Bias to me Bert. Matthews practically didn't produce for what 20 games? He has done that a couple times in two seasons. What do you say about that? I like him as much as the next fan but lets be really honest here. Kane was dumped and is getting dumped again. Reinhart for a #2 overall is a bust. Nylander is a freaking PLAYMAKING MACHINE and ZONE ENTRY DIETY. We have 3 high potential PPG players on this team. Break up Matthews from Nylander and lets see what happens, it has to happen sooner or later anyways. We need Nylander at C.

PS. It's very easy to look terrible defensively on the Buffalo Sabres with Kane and Reinhart on your line. Just the same as it is easy to look amazing defensively with possession monster Nylander and grinder extrodinaire Hyman. Not taking away from Matthews on contribution here, he is good as well but lets be realistic.

You're blatantly lying to try and win some silly little argument. You're actually suggesting that Matthews' offensive numbers are because of Nylander and Hyman, and Eichel is somehow superior despite evidence being presented to you as to why Matthews' is a better overall player.

 

[thewave]

You're blatantly lying to try and win some silly little argument. You're actually suggesting that Matthews' offensive numbers are because of Nylander and Hyman, and Eichel is somehow superior despite evidence being presented to you as to why Matthews' is a better overall player.

What evidence? I said they are similar. Matthews is a the better goal scorer though. I gave you evidence of why Nylander is better than Kane. I gave you evidence of Kane having a shady past as well. We know that organizations record. I can show you even Matthews stats prior to the NHL were almost identical to Eichel as well. They are just similar players although different in two very different environments. Their entire USHL career suggests the same but you want to believe what you want to believe. That's fine.

Is he better than Kopitar? Bergeron? Crosby? Malkin? McDavid? Please I am dying to hear someone say it, better yet shout out all the C's you think he is better then. I will sit with popcorn waiting to hear how amazing our golden-boy is in the eyes of bias fans.

PS. Are you actually suggesting that a players numbers have nothing to do with linemates?

 

[BlueForever75]

So what would happen if Eichel wasn't playing with Kane all season who is having a breakout season before free agency??

Nylander just started producing the last 2-3 weeks. Matthews carried this team prior to injury and was on pace to score 50 this season. Give Matthews the PP time he deserves and he is competing for the scoring race every year.

Some people really need to give their heads a shake. Wow I have heard it all now.

 

[Walshy7]

ITT: Leafs fans gush about their 1st overall pick. Yes I know he is good, very good. He just is not McDavid, Crosby, Malkin, Kopitar, Bergeron(This year especially) amongst some others. Go into the main forums and start making claims like that, I dare ya.

if we had prime gretzky the main boards would say the exact same negative things. If "go to the main boards" is you argument then you've lost. The main boards is a cesspool of what is wrong with todays society.

Mcdavid is better than Matthews no argument, but Matthews is closer to him than eichel is to matthews

 

[WTFMAN99]

Everyone is chirping someone on here but I must have them on ignore because I don't see it. Probably for the better anyway, Matthews is awesome. I think 11M per for 8 years and a fancy new "C" will be awesome

If he is giving us a discount, 10M per would be fortunate.

 

[Sypher04]

Kane isn't being moved because he has a shady past. He's being moved because his contract is expiring and his team is 30th in the league.

 

[thewave]

So what would happen if Eichel wasn't playing with Kane all season who is having a breakout season before free agency??

Nylander just started producing the last 2-3 weeks. Matthews carried this team prior to injury and was on pace to score 50 this season. Give Matthews the PP time he deserves and he is competing for the scoring race every year.

Some people really need to give their heads a shake. Wow I have heard it all now.

Auston Matthews
Jack Eichel

 

[Diamond Joe Quimby]

Yes it is. Eichel and Matthews are comparable players. Same class. Matthews has a superior winger in Nylander (PPG potential). Eichel has Kane (Has his warts and is being shipped out again). Teams are not comparable in how they are managed or coached as well.

What do you think? Let me guess... Matthews is McDavid like everyone else here is fawning on about after a couple multi point games.

Just saying, the only thing comparable Matthews to McDavid is that they both wear skates. He is on another level lest there be any doubt as to where I stand.

1. Matthews is not on McDavid's level
2. Eichel is not on Matthews' level

Quite frankly, its ridiculous to even infer that its close. More ridiculous than it is for one to infer that Matthews is on McDavid's level.

A player with 2 extra minutes of ice time, 10% more offensive zone starts, and double the power play time has been able to produce a comparable ppg average....great. Oh, and he's -14 (-43 for his career).

 

[thewave]

Kane isn't being moved because he has a shady past. He's being moved because his contract is expiring and his team is 30th in the league.

You think he is going to sign with them again?

 

[Sypher04]

You're blatantly lying to try and win some silly little argument. You're actually suggesting that Matthews' offensive numbers are because of Nylander and Hyman, and Eichel is somehow superior despite evidence being presented to you as to why Matthews' is a better overall player.

No kidding. 20 games he says? Here's Matthews performance game by game, in points.

3,1,1,1,2,0,2,2,0,2,1,1,0,2,0,1,2,0,0,1,1,1,2,0,0,0,2,1,0,2,0,1,1,0,0,0,0,2,1,0,1,2,1,0,3,0,1,3

Most games he's gone is gone pointless is 4. He's actually been remarkably consistent for us.

His worst 20 game stretch is the bolded, where he put up 12 points.

 

[Sypher04]

You think he is going to sign with them again?

Where did I say that? All I said is that Buffalo is moving him because they're terrible and that's what bad teams do with expiring contracts.