Is Auston Matthews the best player in the world ?

[Leafsfan74]

The debate is moot.

I will say, if I consider 5 on 5 play, defensive prowess, takeaways and who I prefer out there in a one goal game, the debate is more of a debate than in years past.

In terms of creative skill, especially on the rush, McDavid is as unique as any player in history. For me, as a fan, it's fun to watch. He's unreal at times.

As a born and bred Leafs fan, former athlete in individual and team sports, I say winning is everything. Win a Cup and you are the greatest TEAM in the world. That's a permanent record that no one can take away.

 

[Le Cobra]

I think the better question is are Matthews and Marner the best duo in the NHL

 

[2 Slick]

No, I think McDavid and Crosby are better. Matthews is definitely one of the best pure goal scorers in the NHL though and one of the best players overall, but not the best, no.

 

[Le Cobra]

Is Marner the best passer in the league? YES

 

[IrishInOntario]

yeah but has he scored 20 in 20? lol

No, but who cares? It's impressive what Matthews is doing, but it's a random, arbitrary stat...

Matthews: 318 points in 301 games played. 178 goals, 140 assists.
McDavid: 506 points in 371 games played. 174 goals, 332 assists.

Matthews is, obviously, the better goal scorer, but McDavid is far superior in total production. McDavid is 24 years old now, and is on pace for 1000 points somewhere around age 28-29. If modern science enables him to play another decade after that, into his late 30's, Jagr's #2 spot in terms of all time points will be in serious jeopardy.

 

[Runforthecup]

Why do Leaf fans always have to do this compare BS. Just be happy that you have two really really good players. Once you win the Stanley Cup brag for the summer and then move on.

 

[BlueBaron]

Why do Leaf fans always have to do this compare BS. Just be happy that you have two really really good players. Once you win the Stanley Cup brag for the summer and then move on.

Nice of you to come in and tell us what to talk about.

I do think it's best if we just enjoy him and avoid comparisons. Until Matthews is chasing Ovie's record no one around here is going to admit he's anything special. The title of this thread alone probably triggered dozens of Western fans, which is both funny and sad.

 

[Runforthecup]

Reminds me of 65 years ago on the school playground when I heard "My daddy can beat up your daddy" Maybe it is time to grow up.

 

[Weitz]

While I don’t put any weight in this season for obvious reasons Matthew’s is easily the best goal scorer in the NHL.

 

[Runforthecup]

Nice of you to come in and tell us what to talk about.

I do think it's best if we just enjoy him and avoid comparisons. Until Matthews is chasing Ovie's record no one around here is going to admit he's anything special. The title of this thread alone probably triggered dozens of Western fans, which is both funny and sad.

I spent my working career and lived in Toronto for 41 years. Had Leaf, Jays, and Raptor, season tickets during that period. I guess I am "from away." So be it.

 

[Mitchy]

Nice of you to come in and tell us what to talk about.

I do think it's best if we just enjoy him and avoid comparisons. Until Matthews is chasing Ovie's record no one around here is going to admit he's anything special. The title of this thread alone probably triggered dozens of Western fans, which is both funny and sad.

Matthews occupies a lot of space in the heads of people out West. I mean, look at the Oilers' post game thread title . Rather than enjoy their win, they gotta try and belittle Matthews. They're absolutely obsessed with him lol

 

[Weitz]

Matthews occupies a lot of space in the heads of people out West. I mean, look at the Oilers' post game thread title . Rather than enjoy their win, they gotta try and belittle Matthews. They're absolutely obsessed with him lol

did you see sportsnet post game for the oilers crushing the flames? Matthew’s mentioned a ton when he shouldn’t have been mentioned at all.

 

[BlueBaron]

Matthews occupies a lot of space in the heads of people out West. I mean, look at the Oilers' post game thread title . Rather than enjoy their win, they gotta try and belittle Matthews. They're absolutely obsessed with him lol

They really are. Maybe its psychological scars from having and losing Gretzky.

 

[zeke]

Why do Leaf fans always have to do this compare BS. Just be happy that you have two really really good players. Once you win the Stanley Cup brag for the summer and then move on.

Sports are about being better than others. That's the entire point.

 

[Man Bear Pig]

McDavid is pretty clearly the best player in the world. You could certainly make an argument that Matthews is #2. I'm not sure why anyone would even be upset over that. When was the last time we even had a guy in the argument? I'm 35 years old and Sundin is pretty easily the best Leafs player I watched and he may not have even been a top 5 player in any given year.

 

[willmma]

McDavid is pretty clearly the best player in the world. You could certainly make an argument that Matthews is #2. I'm not sure why anyone would even be upset over that. When was the last time we even had a guy in the argument? I'm 35 years old and Sundin is pretty easily the best Leafs player I watched and he may not have even been a top 5 player in any given year.

Nobody is getting upset for saying he's not number one. But strangely some people are upset that the question is even being asked

 

[Runforthecup]

Sports are about being better than others. That's the entire point.

Sports are about winning. Not about bragging. Show it on the court, in the arena or stadium, or on the slopes. The great players don't compare themselves against other players (at least publicly), but rather whether they win or lose.

 

[Gabriel426]

It is simple, you must win the Cup to be considered the Best.

 

[zeke]

It is simple, you must win the Cup to be considered the Best.

Like McDavid did.

 

[Man Bear Pig]

Nobody is getting upset for saying he's not number one. But strangely some people are upset that the question is even being asked

Upset may be the wrong word. But there's a small percentage of our fanbase whom doesn't watch the rest of the league enough to know that Matthews isn't the best player. But he's pretty damn close and that's good enough for me. Gretzky and Orr didn't win the cup every year. We don't need Matthews to be #1 to win it all.

 

[zeke]

Sports are about winning. Not about bragging. Show it on the court, in the arena or stadium, or on the slopes. The great players don't compare themselves against other players (at least publicly), but rather whether they win or lose.

Why do you think the Hart trophy exists?

 

[zeke]

Upset may be the wrong word. But there's a small percentage of our fanbase whom doesn't watch the rest of the league enough to know that Matthews isn't the best player. But he's pretty damn close and that's good enough for me. Gretzky and Orr didn't win the cup every year. We don't need Matthews to be #1 to win it all.

You think people don't get to see enough McDavid? Really?

 

[Man Bear Pig]

You think people don't get to see enough McDavid? Really?

Have you seen some people in our fanbase?

 

[Peasy]

I ask again.

When does Matthews get the C?

 

[Confucius]

Upset may be the wrong word. But there's a small percentage of our fanbase whom doesn't watch the rest of the league enough to know that Matthews isn't the best player. But he's pretty damn close and that's good enough for me. Gretzky and Orr didn't win the cup every year. We don't need Matthews to be #1 to win it all.

If it pisses opposing fans off, sign me up.