So the debate begins: Matthews vs. Laine

[hockeyfan1]

Matthews, definitely.  He comes across as a well-rounded player who knows his game and seems dedicated to his profession (attitude, conditioning/nutrition/fitness/etc.).  He's certainly a guy that will show up to play every night. 

Also, he being a centre, and considering the Maple Leafs' deep need at that position, the logical choice is Matthews, for the simple fact that he plays the position well.

While I admire Laine's skills, and I still see that Sundin-esque sniping shot there, and while he would be worthy addition to the Leafs, I still am in favour of Matthews.  Like I said, for reasons of need and scarcity.

 

[WhatIfGodWasALeaf]

I agree with Nik, the more I watched Matthews the more I liked his game.

Laine was extremely impressive, but Matthews seems to do everything well and at a tougher position.

 

[pmrules]

From random readings of the internet and my own personal viewings (not a lot so take them for what they are worth), here are some of the top end comparables (from current and past eras) I've seen or read as to what the potential of these two players can be:

Group A - Matthews comparables:
Kopitar/Sakic/Yzerman - Franchise centres (a level below those generational talents) who will lead your team for the next decade, if not longer, both on the ice and off the ice.  Some of these players are known for their defensive game.  These 3 players were significant reasons and influencers for multiple cup wins for their teams.  These guys are generally not in the conversation of the best centres of all time, since those are left for the generational talents (Gretzky, Lemieux, Crosby etc.)

Group B - Laine comparables
Ovechkin/Selanne/Bure - exciting goal scoring first wingers who should ultimately outscore (in any given year) the players in Group A.  These guys, will be in the conversations for the best wingers of all time, as they are the generational talents at their positions.  Not really known for their defensive game.  These are the highlight reel kings who will make you get out of your seats and possibly sell tickets in a weak market.

Group A are what you build winning teams around.
Group B are very exciting individuals and will score you lots of points.

If it was up to me, I'd pick from Group A all the time.  Especially in the Leafs position.

 

[Highlander]

Have to agree with Nik on this one. Laine is very tempting but Matthews is what we need, no doubt.  And he is only 18, wait for a few years and I think with SS and Kadri our Centres could dominate the known universe. Which does include downtown Phoenix.

 

[Bender]

I think it's absurd to compare Laine to any of those players.

 

[ZBBM]

All kidding aside, I don't think there was a single person on here who didn't dream of getting Matthews before the lottery.  That was the point of my jokey Matthews-or-die thread ... to let yourself dream for once.

It's good that Nik started this thread and that Laine really made it a bit of a debate.  But for me, there's never been any doubt.  I'm not saying this kid will be the next Mats Sundin, but he has a helluva lot of his characteristics.  I build my team around that sort of a guy exactly 100% of all the time.

Looking forward to rooting for this New Core for many years to come.  And you know what?

We
freaking
deserve
it

 

[Redleaf]

We had a debate late last season about who would be the Leafs next captain and how soon that player would be wearing the 'C'. I don't think it's a stretch to say we now know WHO that player will likely be: one of Steven Stamkos or Auston Matthews. I believe it's only a matter of WHEN one of those forwards will be given the Leafs captaincy.

 

[Bender]

I think it's still possible it could be Rielly

 

[Kin]

Yeah, I wouldn't necessarily jump to that conclusion either. Rielly's in the mix, Marner has been in a leadership role with London...there's really no way to know who it'll be until they prove themselves as Leafs.

 

[herman]

[tweet]735528821399654400[/tweet]

Morgan Rielly joked on SN590 that Babcock talked to Matthews more than him. Kept seeing them at the hotel together.

?I said 'Babs, he?s not on the team yet? I?d like to talk to you. How are you? How?s the travel?'? - Morgan Rielly. Amazing.

 

[LuncheonMeat]

Somebody at MLHS compiled all the Matthews highlight videos from the World Hockey Championships. I know there's been a lot of attention given to Laine's shot but, holy crap, Matthews' shot on the second goal in that video looks every bit as good.

https://mapleleafshotstove.com/2016/05/25/best-auston-matthews-whc/

 

[jonlleafs]

Somebody at MLHS compiled all the Matthews highlight videos from the World Hockey Championships. I know there's been a lot of attention given to Laine's shot but, holy crap, Matthews' shot on the second goal in that video looks every bit as good.

https://mapleleafshotstove.com/2016/05/25/best-auston-matthews-whc/

Wow I haven't seen this many highlights before of him but damn he looks ready.  I mean, the Canadian team is as good if not better than most NHL hockey teams and he looked good against them.  He's got some sick moves which I haven't seen of him before in highlights.  And boy does he have some speed which is fantastic.  He's instantly one of our better forwards and he looks like he makes guys around him better.  So stoked and can't wait to see him in the Leafs jersey.  I hope the Leafs brass doesn't mess this up and draft someone else.

 

[Leafaholic99]

It's a lot of fun to debate, but in the end the Leafs need the #1 center which Matthews has the potential to be and Winnipeg needs a pure goal scorer which Laine has the potential to be.

Leafs draft Matthews
Jets draft Laine

Both teams filling holes they need to, makes sense for both teams.

 

[McGarnagle]

I think it's still possible it could be Rielly

I think Reilly playing at the tourney and taking a major role was huge for his development. Let's face it, he hasn't had the chance to skate with a skilled roster at the NHL level, or even play a high-stakes game, and the fact he looked so comfortable is very encouraging.

 

[hockeyfan1]

It's a lot of fun to debate, but in the end the Leafs need the #1 center which Matthews has the potential to be and Winnipeg needs a pure goal scorer which Laine has the potential to be.

Leafs draft Matthews
Jets draft Laine

Both teams filling holes they need to, makes sense for both teams.

Exactly.  Matthews is the centre for the Leafs who will fill out the depth at that position.
Laine will be the same on the wing for the Jets.

Both impressed at the 2016 Men's Worlds.  They're both excellent picks.  Both seem NHL-ready.

 

[herman]

Matthews being really boring about Laine's fighting words
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/matthews-not-worried-about-laine-s-claims~884621

 

[Kin]

Matthews being really boring about Laine's fighting words
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/matthews-not-worried-about-laine-s-claims~884621

And just like that I'm back in the Laine camp.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

Matthews being really boring about Laine's fighting words
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/matthews-not-worried-about-laine-s-claims~884621

And just like that I'm back in the Laine camp.

On the plus-side though his non-answer did make Dreger look a little embarrassed/awkward.

 

[bustaheims]

Matthews being really boring about Laine's fighting words
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/matthews-not-worried-about-laine-s-claims~884621

And just like that I'm back in the Laine camp.

On the plus-side though his non-answer did make Dreger look a little embarrassed/awkward.

Matthews for the win!

 

[Zee]

Matthews being really boring about Laine's fighting words
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/matthews-not-worried-about-laine-s-claims~884621

Laine is really issuing a cry for help here, he does not want to go to Winnipeg.