Matthews vs Kucherov, who would you rather have?

[Bolt32]

Kucherov. He took the Russian Stereotype that the NHL has and pissed all over it. I love it. At the end of the day in the Playoffs, Kucherov dominates more times than not. Matthews on the other hand.....

 

[drktmplr12]

this is really poorly timed

 

[OKR]

Matthews is 4 years younger and Kucherov plays in a team that makes the playoffs easily without him.

I do think Kucherov is probably the better player now, but i’m fairly certain that Matthews will still get better as time goes on, and is also a center.

 

[DingDongCharlie]

I’d take Matthews. I know, I know…hear me out.

Kucherov is the better player currently and obviously more proven in the playoffs. He’s also 2 weeks away from being 28. Contract running till he’s 34 and Matthews hasn’t even entered his prime yet.

Things that could sway me towards Kucherov is if Matthews expressed any interest in moving as a UFA. Otherwise I take the franchise center that will be in contention year in year out for the Rocket.

 

[Bolt32]

I’d take Matthews. I know, I know…hear me out.

Kucherov is the better player currently and obviously more proven in the playoffs. He’s also 2 weeks away from being 28. Contract running till he’s 34 and Matthews hasn’t even entered his prime yet.

Things that could sway me towards Kucherov is if Matthews expressed any interest in moving as a UFA. Otherwise I take the franchise center that will be in contention year in year out for the Rocket.

Most players peak at a certain age and tail off after a while because their physical dominance diminishes. Kucherov doesn't rely on his physical acumen though, instead majority of his plays are done by Hockey IQ. Something that will still be there when he's in his mid 30's.

 

[Cursed Lemon]

You take 128 points every time.

 

[DingDongCharlie]

Most players peak at a certain age and tail off after a while because their physical dominance diminishes. Kucherov doesn't rely on his physical acumen though, instead majority of his plays are done by Hockey IQ. Something that will still be there when he's in his mid 30's.

I don’t expect a quick drop off but I also don’t know if he can stay at the top of his game the entire duration of the contract. Most players don’t well into their 30’s. Obviously there’s some players who are the exception to the rule.

I’d just have more confidence in Matthews staying elite during that time frame. I also think he can improve and that we likely have yet to see his best season.

 

[Absolut]

It depends. If I

I’d take Matthews. I know, I know…hear me out.

Kucherov is the better player currently and obviously more proven in the playoffs. He’s also 2 weeks away from being 28. Contract running till he’s 34 and Matthews hasn’t even entered his prime yet.

Things that could sway me towards Kucherov is if Matthews expressed any interest in moving as a UFA. Otherwise I take the franchise center that will be in contention year in year out for the Rocket.

If you use the age logic, you will always go for a younger player. I think the question was about NOW.

 

[82Ninety42011]

I always thought Matthews was going to turn into a Kopitar-type player - really use his size on both ends of the ice. That doesn't seem to be materializing - feels like he bought into his own hype too much to play a complete game.

Well if I remember correctly he does have shoulder issues hence doesn't want to get physical?? I don't know he seems like he's just a shooter to me. His game has never really improved on the play-making or defensive side. Guy can score there is no doubt there but he could be so much more.

 

[SwedishFire]

Depends of compisition of the team. But iverall Kucherov. He seems to have god leadership and ” warzone” attitude. Matthews is all good and that, but if Im playing an important match, I chose Kuch. He can do things others cant do

 

[Rafafouille]

Matthews. Would be Kucherov by an absolute landslide if he was a center but you don't build teams based on wingers.

 

[JT Kreider]

Depends of compisition of the team. But iverall Kucherov. He seems to have god leadership and ” warzone” attitude. Matthews is all good and that, but if Im playing an important match, I chose Kuch. He can do things others cant do

Definitely a case by case basis.

A team like the Rangers who already has Panarin, Kreider and Buchnevich with Kravstov, Kakko and Laf on the come up obviously take Matthews.

A team like the Islanders with solid center depth and seemingly one elite winger for Barzal away from being a top top contender would take Kuch. A team like the Devils with their two young potential franchise centers takes Kucherov.

 

[KoozNetsOff 92]

Kucherov. Better in the regular season, million times better in the playoffs, has peaked at a level Matthews hasn't sniffed. Easy choice.

 

[nowhereman]

Kucherov has outperformed Matthews every season that they've played (with the exception of this year, where Kucherov sat out the season) and has playoff pedigree to boot. He also has an Art Ross, Hart and Lindsay within the last few years, a peak Matthews will probably never reach.

Not a hard answer here.

Oh shit I forgot for just a second

Actually I am inclined to say Matthews will have his "and Phil Kessel is now a Stanley Cup champion" as soon as he is out of Toronto

Unfortunately, Crosby and Malkin are too old to carry any more passengers to a Cup. With the way the cap is now, I don't see a scenario where Matthews can go to a team where he's the third best player and gets to play on the third line of a contender.

 

[ghostingtaro]

kucherov ainec

 

[GirardSpinorama]

Kucherov and it's not that close.

 

[GirardSpinorama]

Matthews. Would be Kucherov by an absolute landslide if he was a center but you don't build teams based on wingers.

Except a cup team like Tampa and Washington.

 

[LightningStrikes]

Kuch. Best vision and creativity in the game arguably. Makes other players on his line better. Just the better allrounder. Plus his playoff experience and record.

 

[GreenLine]

One took the regular season off.

The other took the playoffs off.

 

[goatanek]

Matthews because he's younger and a center.

 

[Nucker101]

Regular season, Matthews because he's a center.

Playoffs, Kucherov

 

[Anisimovs AK]

Kuch can be kind of an asshole, but I take him all day and twice on Sunday over Matthews

 

[McShogun99]

Kucherov easily. Better player, cheaper and longer contract.

 

[SI90]

Love Kucherov but I take Matthews.
23 years old
Franchise #1center
Best goal scoring center in the NHL and top3 goal scoring in NHL.
Solid defensively.
Big body.

 

[DistantThunderRep]

I don’t expect a quick drop off but I also don’t know if he can stay at the top of his game the entire duration of the contract. Most players don’t well into their 30’s. Obviously there’s some players who are the exception to the rule.

I’d just have more confidence in Matthews staying elite during that time frame. I also think he can improve and that we likely have yet to see his best season.

Something something Patrick Kane. Probably Kuch's best current comparison.