Anyone else concerned about Matthews?

[Dekes For Days]

Nylander has been arguably better than Marner

No, he absolutely hasn't. I'm not even sure how you attempt to make a bad argument like that, considering that Marner is producing better in a less advantageous position, is much better defensively, and brings additional elite PK impacts that Nylander doesn't.
I'm not sure if Nylander is being overrated or Matthews/Marner are being underrated, but you need to reevaluate how you evaluate.

 

[Zybalto]

He's been banged up this season with a wrist and ankle issue but as long as he's healthy for the playoffs, not too worried.

Oh, and:

5v5 Ranking among Leafs with at least 15 games played this season:

xGF%: 59.14 1st on the team
GF%: 67.08 (2nd behind Bunting)

He'll be fine.

 

[The Hanging Jowl]

I know the points aren't there but I think he's actually looked pretty good. Not worried.

 

[kb]

If he's injured like many posters are suggesting, he should be sitting out until fully healed. I don't want 70% of Auston Matthews for the next 8 years at 15M (or whatever contract he will sign) because he has caused irreparable damage by continually playing hurt.

Now, he nor Keefe has said he's hurt, so I have to believe that logic prevails here and he's just not having the typical "dominant Auston Matthews" year we are used to.

He's hurt but performing at a higher level than any replacement would.

Perhaps it's something that he can play through, but will require surgery and rehab because rest alone won't rehabilitate him?

 

[hotpaws]

He's been banged up this season with a wrist and ankle issue but as long as he's healthy for the playoffs, not too worried.

Oh, and:

5v5 Ranking among Leafs with at least 15 games played this season:

xGF%: 59.14 1st on the team
GF%: 67.08 (2nd behind Bunting)

He'll be fine.

If as you say he’s been banged up all season with ankle and wrist issues what makes you think he’ll be healthy for the playoffs ?

 

[ACC1224]

I'm not worried.

As far as impact goes this season,
Marner
Nylander
Matthews
Tavares

Matthews impact is closer to Tavares than Nylanders.

 

[Beaumaris]

I'm slightly concerned, but if he shows up in the playoffs it won't matter

Shows up for the playoffs? That would be a first.

 

[notbias]

Shows up for the playoffs? That would be a first.

Selective memories are fun.

 

[BTP]

Lmao at everyone just flatout saying "No, not one bit"

Are you f***ing serious?

The guy has been a shell of his former self ALL YEAR.

He isnt half of what he was at this time last year. Playoffs are basically next month.

How are you not even slightly worried? I dont believe you. At all.

 

[Beaumaris]

Selective memories are fun.

They seem to be.

 

[Guided by Veseys]

I don’t see how as a leafs fan you wouldn’t be a little uneasy about his play this year. We’ve seen him dominate for years and that is not happening this season. Doesn’t mean he sucks now, just that he isn’t really close to the mvp level of last year.

 

[Mickey Marner]

Short-term, no, as long as he brings it in the playoffs. I’m a bit concerned long-term though. He seems to have some sort of clandestine injury almost every year.

 

[34]

I think he is leaving Toronto. I think his mind is made up.

 

[notbias]

His sh% is down to a career-low but his chance generation is still really good. Right now I am not concerned.

 

[kb]

I think he is leaving Toronto. I think his mind is made up.

lol

 

[Zybalto]

If as you say he’s been banged up all season with ankle and wrist issues what makes you think he’ll be healthy for the playoffs ?

I think the time off helped him heal up and he's just getting back up to speed now.

He's been far better this season than almost everyone is saying too.

I mean, only 9 centers play 15 minutes+ 5v5 a night in this league. Here is how Matthews fares against those peers:

xGF%:
1. Matthews
2. Hughes
3. McDavid
4. Crosby
5 MacKinnon
6. Draisatl
7. Jenner
8. Scheiflele
9. Zegras


Goal differential: Matthews is also first (by far and near tops in the league among all centers)

 

[pdson]

I honestly think he’s trying to play a more complete game… almost like he knows there’s another gear and there’s no point in going all out until the chips are on the table.

This is the correct answer.

 

[Fogelhund]

A combination of things... some injury issues, but I think more than anything, losing in last years playoffs has changed him some. I don't think he cares as much about regular season. He's been there, done that, won awards, and all for nothing. He's been working on his game, making it more complete. I think we will see a different Matthews come playoffs, but we shall see. The regular season is about qualifying for the playoffs.. which we seem to be doing easily, and most importantly, preparing for the playoffs.

 

[Nooodles]

Obviously you don't lose all your abilities at 24, but he is such a different player vs last year. Last year he REALLY impacted the game. The last 1/2 of the season especially he was an absolute force. Physical, in on the forecheck and destroying board battles, around the net with a rocket of a shot(heh).

This year he is so passive. Not fighting for pucks,

He's also top of the league in takeaways and blocked shots....

 

[TimeZone]

One thing that is certainly weird is his wrister looks significantly softer this year.

 

[koyvoo]

If you want 60+ goals, put him with Marner again, permanently. His goal scoring will see a similar boost as the their first long term pair up by saw.

 

[ER89]

I honestly think he’s trying to play a more complete game… almost like he knows there’s another gear and there’s no point in going all out until the chips are on the table.

HIGHLY doubt this.

Are the leafs really better when matthews is a 40g 50 assist 90 pt player rathern than a 67g 52 assist 119 pt player? Thats the delta between his two seasons assuming an 82 game pace.

And its not that he was cheating for offense last year. He was defensively responsible I think this narrative of him focusing on defense is a hoax. He's been a bit better but its not like he wasn't already pretty good.


The good thing is a 40 goal 90 pt 2 way 1C is still a franchiise and ELITE player.

 

[Schennanigans]

And than if he’s out mvp of the playoffs?

 

[Once]

The points aren’t coming as they did. Probably has to do with not playing with Marner but also his sh% is an anomaly compared to previous years.

He’s more complete this year, though. His defensive game was what I missed the most during his absence and it showed. As long as he can dominate in the playoffs. That’s what matters. We will see.

 

[Aashir]

Surprised to see I’m not the only one concerned about his play. He doesn’t seem to be as effective this year. What’s surprising is that his linemate still produces at a better rate than him.
Whether it’s injury, “saving” himself, or rounding out his completeness, he needs to be much better than this

with 25ish games left, I hope he plays better, but im not counting on it.

If he shows up in the playoffs and we actually win a few rounds then discard the next statement:

As of right now, I would not pay him more than Mackinnon