Frankly, you selectively referenced what I said and ignored relevant bits. For example, "I guess it is rare. Certainly for a Matthews caliber of player."
As for dipping into players like JVR and Stastny, what about Panarin and Bobrovsky? Panarin is certainly on the level of Matthews.
And yes, Selanne left a good team to go to a good, familiar team. Is that not kind of the same as a player leaving a good team as a UFA to go to his hometown team? Add the fact Matthews is an American. He may want to go home for that reason, too.
Phoenix not a spotlight? Do you mean the team? 5th largest city in the USA. Huge potential for a homegrown, hispanic hockey player. Add in the new billionaire owner and his many business interests (which include restaurant chains, casinos, banks and television stations).
I agree its completely rare. Almost unheard of for a player like Matthews to leave. Panarin played out his contract after being traded to what he deemed an undesirable situation. Not a great example. Somewhat similar to the tavares situation, in that he left for a younger, up and coming team in a big hockey market. Except Columbus didn't draft him.
When talking spot light, it was to be understood we're still talking about hockey players, not
movie stars. It comes down to the hockey market, when talking about 'spotlight'. Just for fun I checked a few phoenix news outlets for hockey stories, and found Panik's arrest and puff pieces about Shane Doan are still top of this list. A much more desirable spotlight for a young hispanic american hockey player is in the biggest hockey market in the world, which also happens to be one of the most diverse cities in the world, ethnically speaking. Add in a rabid hockey media, and the many endorsement opportunities.
Selanne is nothing like a UFA going home if that home team isn't as competitive and comfortable as the team he's leaving. I don't see Phoenix as a contender by then, but your milage may vary on that statement.
I will allow you to strike to Bobrovsky reference from your argument. That was a terrible signing before the ink was dry. IIRC Columbus didn't even make a serious offer to him like they did with Panarin. Might as well just say David Clarkson proves that Matthews will go home.