Proposal: Matthews (TML) for Barkov (FLA) + 2026 1st

[Magic Mittens]

Regular season I'd take Matthews, playoffs I'd take Barkov. Since the goal is to win a cup, I'm keeping Barkov. Plus factor in salary, it's easy for FLA to say no

 

[ZegrassyKnoll]

TML = Tampa May Lightning

 

[Jumptheshark]

I know Matthews is not changing his team easily, but if the deal was there, would both teams take it?

Panthers go "no, we are good"

 

[Budz]

Both teams reject. Lock it up.

 

[Arthur Morgan]

in fantasy Matthews is above Barkov and I think everyone here would draft Matthews over Barkov,

BUT fantasy is regular season only and Barkov is on a better contract just won the cup. I just doesnt make sense for Florida but I think realistically it would be assumed the add would come from Florida's side

Matthews should be in a higher tier than Barkov. I just dont think it matters all that much.... obviously not Florida just won the cup

 

[TheDoldrums]

Is it really that lopsided suggestion?

it's obviously never going to happen, if you want to compare Matthews and Barkov just make a poll. Or maybe get over this thing with comparing Matthews and Finnish players that has been going on since he was a prospect lol

 

[BB88]

You consider someone who has never scored 40 goals and only surpassed 90 points once to be in the same tier as a guy who has twice scored 60 or more goals and twice exceeded 100 points? Seriously???

Barkov has scored 88 points in 67 games and has a career high of 96

For the best defensive forward in the league that’s insane

+ He just had Conn Smythe level Cup run, so yeah they are in the same tier

 

[waitin425]

A+ off season trade thread right here.

 

[Trade]

This is one of the worst threads of all time.

Not even just based on value. It makes zero sense for Florida.

 

[Joe n]

I give Matthews the edge but they are way closer than you seem to think. Despite only hitting 90 points once (6 years ago) Barkov has paced 90+ points in 4 of the last 5 seasons and 100+ in one of them. That's what happens when you miss 10-15 games a season. Also the fact that Barkov is the hands down best 2-way player in the league closes the gap quite a lot too

As I learned in every Matthews thread, pace doesn't count.

Yes.

If I want to win a scoring title, I'll take Matthews. If I want to win a cup, I'll take Barkov.

Until this year Barkov's playoffs were meh.

 

[dire wolf]

Is it really that lopsided suggestion?

Yes. The players have roughly equal value (personally, I'd rather have Barkov's skillset). But when you add the 1st, the extra $3.35M/year AAV, and the 2 extra years in term, the trade is lopsided. Remember -- you don't trade players - you trade contracts.

 

[Patagonia]

Barkov is underrated, since he's a 2 way player and performs in the playoffs. Matthews has the better scoring and season stats, but far overpaid.

FL declines.

 

[scholl]

I know Matthews is not changing his team easily, but if the deal was there, would both teams take it?

Zito wouldn't take even if he got whole Canada plus all commonwealth.

 

[Ledge And Dairy]

As I learned in every Matthews thread, pace doesn't count.

You're right, results do. And Barkov has been a major part of 2 back to back finals runs, one where they won the cup. Matthews has well... made the 2nd round and put up 2 points in 5 games

 

[Smif]

Yes.

If I want to win a scoring title, I'll take Matthews. If I want to win a cup, I'll take Barkov.

Nah, that's crazy talk. Matthew's defensive game is very underrated and his offensive game is a level above. FLA likely wins more convincingly with Matthews instead of Barkov imo. Florida was just such a complete team this season.

 

[Plural]

it's obviously never going to happen, if you want to compare Matthews and Barkov just make a poll. Or maybe get over this thing with comparing Matthews and Finnish players that has been going on since he was a prospect lol

Not comparing them, since I think Matthews holds more value.

How many Matthews vs. finnish player polls have I made? Not saying I haven't made any, but I can't remember off the top of my head any.

 

[Jumptheshark]

in fantasy Matthews is above Barkov and I think everyone here would draft Matthews over Barkov,

BUT fantasy is regular season only and Barkov is on a better contract just won the cup. I just doesnt make sense for Florida but I think realistically it would be assumed the add would come from Florida's side

Matthews should be in a higher tier than Barkov. I just dont think it matters all that much.... obviously not Florida just won the cup

adding the first is too much

 

[Arthur Morgan]

adding the first is too much

fantasy wise I wouldnt make that trade.

but real life u might be right, cap savings prob be enough.

 

[BB88]

Nah, that's crazy talk. Matthew's defensive game is very underrated and his offensive game is a level above. FLA likely wins more convincingly with Matthews instead of Barkov imo. Florida was just such a complete team this season.

Matthews has never been asked to play Barkovs role and has never been as dominant in the postseason as Barkov was

But yes let’s act like Florida would have been even more dominant with Matthews just because..
Atleast not based on history

 

[BayStBullies]

The mods on this site allow the most troll shit threads here. It makes no sense.

 

[waitin425]

Matthews has never asked to play Barkovs role and has never been as dominant in the postseason as Barkov was

But yes let’s act like Florida would have been even more dominant with Matthews just because..
Atleast not based on history

don't ya know?!?!? Florida could have been as dominant as the Leafs if they had Matthews and 3.25 less in cap space. Same applies if they had Marner...or Nylander....or Tavares. All superstar leaders.

 

[Unspecified]

I'm taking the Stanley Cup champion even without the 1st.

 

[General Fanager]

You consider someone who has never scored 40 goals and only surpassed 90 points once to be in the same tier as a guy who has twice scored 60 or more goals and twice exceeded 100 points? Seriously???

yes.

The extra points that Matthews gets is cancelled out by the massively better defensive play and cheaper cap hit.

If I could have the choice of the two right now on my team id pick Barkov....

 

[elmaco]

I think the Leafs would do it but FLA not so much.

 

[Armourboy]

Florida is laughing and hanging up the phone with that ask while they kick back and sip from their Cup they just won.

Proposals like this is what happens when you stat watch way too much.