People have been critical of Matthews for 2 months ,ive been critical for 2 years. Matthews has elite offensive skill in the o zone when hes givin room. He moves the puck very quickly faster then 90 % of players in the league, that goes for his shot as well. But Matthews doesn't drive play, he never has. Nylander drove the play mostly on his line. Matthews also can be very lazy in the d zone and doesn't engage in board battles. This is why I was bitter about all the hype he was getting in regards to his salary. Hes kinda playing like a specialty player more then a franchise center like people have been saying for years. Now there is value in a specialty player but to be paid the way hes been, is basically ignoring injuries and the fact that hes invisible in half the games he plays.
Many of your comments are very well expressed, you shed insight.
I would respectfully disagree with your comments about his defensive play though, I do find him to be a reliable defensive center and feel he helps our D out a lot. He exitscwell.
You do make good points though. I hope that putting a Nylander with him helps. He is the only Leaf I am truly concerned about, last night against the Rangerscwas just one more example. I hate to say it, but his offensive zone play is atrocious, not only is he not producing, not going to any tough areas, but he constantly seems to give the puck away in the offensive zone.
I am very worried that this will only get worse, now that his huge contract has raised expectations (and attendant frustration). I have read other threads, like “relax he’s only 21” or that he’s hurt.
One analyst opined that he would be much more effective with the security of the 5 year deal;?that he could “concentrate” on hockey now. But, if anything, it’s worse.
I hope they find a solution. He can’t have lost his swagger out of the blue (just like Nylander didn’t).
You’re right, he’s not a playmaker, but he can be a physically dominating 55 goal centre.