News Article: Matthews can be even better, says Babcock (NHL network thinks he's already top 4)

[Kamiccolo]

He's a competitive guy and he expects to take a step this year and we do as well," Babcock said between games at the World Junior Summer Showcase on Sunday. "I don't measure guys by points, I measure guys by how they play and how they compete every day and how much better they get in their determination. We're excited to see what he can do. He feels he's a real good player and wants to be one of the best players in the game."

https://www.nhl.com/news/auston-mat...-coach-mike-babcock/c-290543868?tid=277548856


NHL Networks says top 4:
http://www.sportingnews.com/ca/nhl/...ews-mark-scheifele/1wq4ie6fby45n1g5ol0dd8p2tk

Click to read more...

 

[Liminality]

Sounds about right.

 

[saltming]

He just finished his rookie year. I hope he will improve.

 

[ShaneFalco]

He will be one of the best players in the game
Bout time we had one

 

[saltming]

He will be one of the best players in the game
Bout time we had one

We will have at least 3!

 

[Budsfan]

I agree with Babcock, Matthews will improve and won't suffer a Sophomore Jinx, with Marleau joining the Leafs and getting some playing time with him, Matthews has a good mentor and will excel like many line mates have with Marleau on their wing.

 

[Keep Sorokin Me Babe]

19 year old can get even better?

The most interesting part about this article is Babcock being at the WJSS where Liljegren is playing right now and has impressed so far.

 

[Rainman2408]

Hope he doesn't improve too much until we get him locked up for 8 years. I don't want a Mcdavid contract. Worth it? Yes for see but handcuffs the team at some point for sure

 

[Apotheosis]

Can't wait until he scores over PPG next season with Marleau and either Marner or Nylander beside him.

 

[Cleetus]

I agree with Babcock, Matthews will improve and won't suffer a Sophomore Jinx, with Marleau joining the Leafs and getting some playing time with him, Matthews has a good mentor and will excel like many line mates have with Marleau on their wing.

that sophmore jynx thing scares me lol, but I think he will take a step with Marleau for sure

 

[Clark4Ever]

Barring injuries, there's no reason why his career shouldn't continue in an upward trajectory for several years.

 

[Its not your fault]

Put me down for i agree.

 

[PuckMagi]

If he plays on a line without Hyman... he will improve this season.

 

[Gary Nylund]

that sophmore jynx thing scares me lol, but I think he will take a step with Marleau for sure

Don't worry, its a myth. There's no guarantee any sophomore will improve but most do.

 

[Legion34]

that sophmore jynx thing scares me lol, but I think he will take a step with Marleau for sure

How much more of a jinx can the guy get. He had a 13 game goal less streak

 

[Battle Lin]

he put up those stats playing with hyman all season, and a lot with brown, and then willie

he should be playing a lot with marleau and either marner or nylander this season, and to go along with his individual improvements...man a ppg season doesnt sound crazy

 

[VoluntaryDom]

On a line with Marleau and Nylander he can definitely be better

 

[Mr Hockey]

that sophmore jynx thing scares me lol, but I think he will take a step with Marleau for sure

He may not score 40 goals but he will for sure improve his game, he is an elite player.

 

[BodaciousBeefBazooka]

What is he suppose to say, he can get worse? He's like 18 and just finished his first year in the NHL. Of course he will continue to get better. That's what makes it scary.

 

[TMLegend]

In other news, water is wet.

 

[Rare Jewel]

If he plays on a line without Hyman... he will improve this season.

Not in Babs mind.

I don't measure guys by points, I measure guys by how they play and how they compete every day and how much better they get in their determination.

 

[Damisoph]

oh man this board is going to implode when Marleau is in camp playing with Kadri.

 

[waingr0]

Auston Matthews. Good player.

 

[Hurt]

that sophmore jynx thing scares me lol, but I think he will take a step with Marleau for sure

I wonder if there's an analysis of elite players and their second seasons.

 

[Willchel Marlynder]

I would hope so, Babs.