Matthews' linemates that season were not good. He spent majority of the season with Kapanen, Marleau, or Johnsson on 1 or both of his wings. None of those guys were close to being top 6 wingers. I believe Eichel played almost exclusively with Reinhart and Skinner, both of whom had 60+ points. You obviously do not know what you are talking about.
I'll take Matthews linemates, and team over Eichel's any day in a player to player comparision thus far in their careers. Anyone who does not agree, is not being honest. Again, I have never said it was AINEC for these 2 players unlike some posters, I have always maintained it would be close, but at some point, one would like to see both players have the similar competition and teams to play on to make a fair comparison.
hmmm whenever i use the teammate argument with Draisaitl playing with Mcdavid i get yelled at.
So which one of 18/19's Kapanen, Marleau, and Johnsson would you take over 18/19's Skinner and Reinhart?
I think the biggest difference for Draisaitl, McDavid, and Matthews is they all play with atleast one other elite player.After Mc-Saitl there really isn't much on that team. Eichel is unique. As hockey fans you know he has been part of some really bad teams, and he never has had the caliber of teammates as Matthews or some others have had. Sometimes all you need is one elite talent to make each other better. Matthews is a great talent, no said he isn't that I have read here. He has been more fortunate in teammates and offensive systems than Eichel has played on. I will say again it is close for both players, there is no its not even close. I just want to see Eichel have his chance playing with the same talent as other players. So when I see his stats close to Matthews, it just makes me wonder how much better is he. Logical question is it not?
no i agree with the premise. i want to see Eichel thrive under a competent offense/team.
I am a believer very good players make each other better, it's not just a one way street. So we agree here. Even Gretzky needed a great team to surround him so he could break all those records.
At the start of the 18-19 Season Kapanen wasn't even with Matthews in the Leafs first two games. He was with Marleau and Tyler Ennis and it was during their third game in Chicago when Kapanen got put onto Matthews line to replace Ennis when they were losing 2-0.
I think usually the issue when it’s brought up vs Drai in a Matthews comparison is that it’s often said Drai would only be around a PPG without McDavid and Matthews requires no adjustment at all because of his teammates/linemates. I agree it’s a factor for sure, however most if not all superstars benefit from another one on his team/line. And while yes McDavid is the best of the bunch to benefit from, it’s 130 pts down to 80-85 is a massive drop to give the other player in the comparison no drop at all.
ive never said he would drop off that much. just a solid amount.
Eh, Gretzky had 700 points more than any NHL player in the 1980's. Just mind-boggling.
Taking away half the points is a massive amount as well though. I’d agree that would be a reasonable amount if he were to play with a below average player, but if he were to play with a Marner level player I’d assume more of a 51 to 35-40 drop.
Even before John Tavares signed in Toronto and that's what it took for Mike Babcock to load up the Leafs power play, he never even tried Matthews and Marner on the same power play line in their first two seasons.
Toronto was not a stacked team in Matthews first two seasons and that only happened after they signed Tavares when he played his third season.
