While I agree Matthews is at worst a top 3 player in the league (McDavid and Mackinnon) and has been the best skater this season by some margin, I completely disagree that Barkov falls behind Kucherov, Pastrnak, Crosby, Panarin or Marchand.Yes well I was talking players. If you want to talk just forwards.......he's good but he's still not better than McDavid, Draisaitl, Matthews, McKinnon, Kucherov, Pastarnak, Crosby, Panarin, Marchand...........in my opinion. And I think in most "legit" hockey analyst's opinions, too.
The only forwards that I would take ahead of Barkov are McDavid, Draisaitl, Matthews, Mackinnon. There might be a couple more that would give me pause, but as a complete player, playing centre.......I'm not sure how many would even fall into this category.
The only defenseman I would definitely take ahead of Barkov is Hedman as well.
Fox and Makar would likely fall into that "let me think" category.