The Hanging Jowl
Registered User
- Apr 2, 2017
- 10,307
- 11,418
A couple of years ago I would have agreed. In fact, when Matthews entered the league, I would have projected him to be a slam-dunk choice over MacKinnon but things have changed to be honest.
MacKinnon has rounded out to be one of the elite point getters in the NHL and is scary game to game, if not shift to shift. Matthews is more inconsistent--he occasionally floats during some shifts and can spend a chunk of the game looking sluggish and invisible. Granted, he can then break a game open with his laser shot, but MacKinnon is more consistent and reliable for my liking.
Also, I think personality has something to do with my decision. I know it's silly to even go here, but I am--the young Leafs players (Matthews included) are starting to really annoy me. Between their contract demands, underachieving, and the way they present themselves, I think their heads have gotten a little too big for their own good. It's like Matthews is just trying way to hard to be "different" or "standout" with that cheesy mustache, pants that are 4 sizes too small for him, and the sudden interest in tattoos. Meanwhile, MacKinnon just shows up every night, does his job, doesn't try to make any flashy fashion statements, and has been his team's best player rather consistently.
Unfortunately, I see the young Leafs starting to dabble in the "PK Subban" school of brand building. They have this attitude about them that they're bigger than the game. Just my opinion. Even McDavid just quietly goes about his business looking like an every day Joe--not trying too hard to get attention.
If we're picking who we're going into the playoffs with this year, I'm probably taking MacKinnon but if we're talking about what someone has rounded into and criticizing the other player for inconsistency I don't think that's quite fair since you're comparing a 7 year player to a 4 year player. All you have to do is look at Mac's first 4 seasons compared to Matthews' to see my point (and as people like to throw around here so much...AINEC).