John Tavares vs Auston Matthews

[IrishInOntario]

Much of it has to do with the fact that Matthews is 21 and still learning and developing, while Tavares is a 28 year old bull, in his prime, but I just think Tavares is a better hockey player RIGHT NOW than Auston. Just as talented in his own right, and more capable of taking NHL level punishment.

Matthews has that deadly shot and he can really skate, but he becomes a perimeter player at times. I think Tavares' straight ahead, get to the front of the net, battle in the tough areas, style of hockey is perfect for the playoffs and translates to being clutch when you need a play made.

Matthews might be a superior goal scorer, but Tavares (at this point in his career) does a lot of the little things better, IMO.

Toronto (and us fans) are lucky to have him. Think of all those scrub wingers he made look like really quality players over the years. I'm excited to see Nylander get back to the top line and hopefully play with Kapanen and Matthews, but Tavares, Marner and whoever they play with will continue to be Toronto's most steady, dangerous, line, night in and night out.

I know this opinion won't be popular with some, especially the younger crowd that LOVES Matthews (not that I don't), but if I had to pick one to Captain and lead this team right now, give me Tavares.

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[diehardleafsfan9878]

You're drunk go home.

It took Tavares until his 3rd or 4th NHL season just to score at a point per game pace over a season. Matthews is already a point per game player in his CAREER. There is no question Matthews is better.

 

[A4T1L6]

delete this thread

 

[1specter]

delete this thread

/thread

 

[Nithoniniel]

No doubt in my mind that Matthews is the better player. Stats bear that out as well.

 

[meefer]

Tavares is a great role model for Matthews, a true 200 ft player. Great to have both!

 

[AcerComputer]

Tavares can't skate.

 

[IrishInOntario]

Hey man, you guys can bring on the hate... I don't expect my opinion to be popular.

Tavares just has the intangibles that I love. Not amazing skater. Not likely going to win a Rocket, but I love his game...

He's a beauty.

 

[IrishInOntario]

You're drunk go home.

It took Tavares until his 3rd or 4th NHL season just to score at a point per game pace over a season. Matthews is already a point per game player in his CAREER. There is no question Matthews is better.

Look who Tavares played with in New York va the lineup that Matthew's plays with... Not a fair comparison at all, not did I ever say that 28 year old Matthews won't be better than Tavares.

 

[hamzarocks]

Matthews is a better player than tavares and has been since 16-17(his first season). JT is a top 10 center, while matthews is a top 10 player.

 

[Cotton]

How about they're both awesome, both are ours, and leave it at that.

 

[BlueBaron]

Hey man, you guys can bring on the hate... I don't expect my opinion to be popular.

Tavares just has the intangibles that I love. Not amazing skater. Not likely going to win a Rocket, but I love his game...

He's a beauty.

It's hard to fault you for loving JT and he surely is a heck of a player but Auston is the Franchise.

 

[Cotton]

delete this thread

This.

 

[Muston Atthews]

Both

 

[ClarkSittler]

How about they're both awesome, both are ours, and leave it at that.

This. Delete this thread.

What's next Kappy vs Nylander

 

[Semantics]

Matthews is obviously better, but I will say that he's quite streaky. Tavares seems less likely to get completely shut down.

 

[Pi]

They are both Toronto Maple Leafs. That is all that matters.

Matthews is better but Tavares is f***ing elite too. We have two of the top C’s in the league.

 

[GlitchMarner]

Tavares is more experienced and feels more like a "leader," but I think Matthews is more talented at this point. He's faster, he handles the puck at a quicker pace and he seems to generate more scoring chances. Matthews is scoring points at a higher clip even though JT plays regularly with Marner.