I'm not a Matthews lover. I'll take any chance I can get to rip into his contract.
But the people saying EP is better are off their rocker and just riding this 2 week hype train.
For next season I'd probably give him #6 at best at worst #8. McDavid, Mackinnon, Draisaitl, Crosby and Malkin being ahead of him (for next season) and Bergeron being one up for debate as an argument could be made depending on how much someone values defense and playoff acumen vs goalscoring. Eichel is the other that is debatable as they have similar production, but again its an argument of excellent goalscoring with elite linemates and an offensive oriented playoff team vs being the solo threat on your bottom feeder team. Strong argument for either, can't go wrong either way until one of them truly seperates himself.
I'd probably give Matthews the nod for the #6 spot next year.
As good as Barkov, Aho, Point and Pettersson are, they aren't on this level yet. Especially Pettersson, he needs to have a 70 point or PPG season before being declared a top 5 center, the potential is there but it needs to manifest into regular season results before that crown is bestowed.
Leaf fans tried to pull the same crap while Matthews was on his ELC and overrate their star by declaring Matthews one of the league's top centers even though he hadn't had a 70 point season to his name. Didn't fly then, doesn't fly now. In my eyes there needs to be tangible proof as to why youre the best in the league and 65 point seasons ain't it.