Return for Matthews in a trade

[Racer88]

It would be hard to come up with a trade that would return full and equal value for Matthews in trade.

Any trade would have to be quantity for quality and then the team that gets the best player in the deal often wins it.

If the Leafs were heading into rebuild mode, than and futures trade could be worked out, but that is not Leafs desire.

That is a risk but if it’s not working you have to make change at some point. We can’t just tread water flailing away.
I look at how the teams in the finals and there are half a dozen players that are contributing way more them Matthews ever has in the playoffs

 

[andora]

There is absolutely no winning a Matthews trade, he is easily the best leaf in my life time and I’m almost 40. The only way I trade this guy is if it’s him plus for mcdavid. I’d make him the highest paid player in the league before entertaining any trade.

I am 40 as well and i dont think he can hold a candle to sundin yet

 

[andora]

So you want to get smaller and softer and not as good at scoring goals?

Aho plays harder and tougher than any of our stars.. dont make that part up

 

[Boxscore]

I am 40 as well and i dont think he can hold a candle to sundin yet

This is tricky, as Mats was one of my all-time favorite players, ever. If we're looking at full body of work, dependability, consistency, dedication, and leadership -- Mats is the clear winner here imho. If we're considering them at their absolute best, we need to give the nod to 34 -- he has a Calder, Hart, and 2 Rockets -- Mats cannot match that.

Comparing Mats to Matthews is uncomfortable because the stat sheet will never account for the intangibles that Mats brought to the table that Matthews doesn't. The thing is, Auston is almost as big as Mats and could be the big-bodied centerman we hitch our wagon to if he is willing to love the Leafs back the way the fans love him, and start coming up big when it matters.

Matthews is a player who wows you on occasion, shows flashes of absolute brilliance, but ultimately leaves you wanting more. Mats was the opposite -- he wasn't as dynamic, flashy, or jaw-dropping at times, but he was a horse, reliable, clutch, and consistent. You sleep well at night when Mats Sundin is your top line centerman. With Matthews, it's turning into a game of walking on eggshells.

 

[WillNy29]

This is tricky, as Mats was one of my all-time favorite players, ever. If we're looking at full body of work, dependability, consistency, dedication, and leadership -- Mats is the clear winner here imho. If we're considering them at their absolute best, we need to give the nod to 34 -- he has a Calder, Hart, and 2 Rockets -- Mats cannot match that.

Comparing Mats to Matthews is uncomfortable because the stat sheet will never account for the intangibles that Mats brought to the table that Matthews doesn't. The thing is, Auston is almost as big as Mats and could be the big-bodied centerman we hitch our wagon to if he is willing to love the Leafs back the way the fans love him, and start coming up big when it matters.

Matthews is a player who wows you on occasion, shows flashes of absolute brilliance, but ultimately leaves you wanting more. Mats was the opposite -- he wasn't as dynamic, flashy, or jaw-dropping at times, but he was a horse, reliable, clutch, and consistent. You sleep well at night when Mats Sundin is your top line centerman. With Matthews, it's turning into a game of walking on eggshells.

Matthews and Sundin have the same number of cup wins and about similar PPG in the playoffs.

I guess having back to back rocket seasons, a Hart Trophy, a Ted Lindsay Trophy and the only 60 goal season in leafs history all while being one of the top 5 defensive centres in hockey means he's not good enough.

We really like to lionize our players once we've dumped them for what could be players as good them one day...We also love the grass on the other side

 

[andora]

This is tricky, as Mats was one of my all-time favorite players, ever. If we're looking at full body of work, dependability, consistency, dedication, and leadership -- Mats is the clear winner here imho. If we're considering them at their absolute best, we need to give the nod to 34 -- he has a Calder, Hart, and 2 Rockets -- Mats cannot match that.

Comparing Mats to Matthews is uncomfortable because the stat sheet will never account for the intangibles that Mats brought to the table that Matthews doesn't. The thing is, Auston is almost as big as Mats and could be the big-bodied centerman we hitch our wagon to if he is willing to love the Leafs back the way the fans love him, and start coming up big when it matters.

Matthews is a player who wows you on occasion, shows flashes of absolute brilliance, but ultimately leaves you wanting more. Mats was the opposite -- he wasn't as dynamic, flashy, or jaw-dropping at times, but he was a horse, reliable, clutch, and consistent. You sleep well at night when Mats Sundin is your top line centerman. With Matthews, it's turning into a game of walking on eggshells.

Well said.. more effort than i would have put into it

Sundin dragging his team in the wars.. you felt like you had a chance

I have not felt that type of feeling yet with this team

 

[Boxscore]

Matthews and Sundin have the same number of cup wins and about similar PPG in the playoffs.

I guess having back to back rocket seasons, a Hart Trophy, a Ted Lindsay Trophy and the only 60 goal season in leafs history all while being one of the top 5 defensive centres in hockey means he's not good enough.

We really like to lionize our players once we've dumped them for what could be players as good them one day...We also love the grass on the other side

How do you figure one of the Top-5 defensive centers in hockey? He's not even close. The Rockets and the Hart are absolutely valid. Nobody is criticizing his numbers -- we're frustrated with:

1. His underwhelming playoffs. His PPG drops from 1.13 to 0.88 and his goals p82 drop from 52 to 38. He just hasn't been able to get it done in the playoffs. Not only that, his play regresses, which is why we won 1 round with him as our best player in 7 years.

2. To date, he's been more focused on draining every penny out of the Leafs than he is helping us build a winner. Should he be paid a top salary? Absolutely. Could he have taken a bit less on his last deal and given us more term? Absolutely. Does he deserve more money than Connor McDavid and Nate MacKinnon with his next deal? Absolutely not. But will he demand it? My guess is: Absolutely.

Unfortunately, until Matthews demonstrates he hates losing, can elevate his game in the playoffs, and is willing to sacrifice salary so we can ice a deeper, more competitive team around him, he deserves his fair share of honest criticism.

Say what you want, but if guys like Hedman, Kucherov, MacKinnon, Pastrnak, Point, Tkachuk, etc. can all take less for the betterment of their teams, so can Matthews. Being greedy when you have one playoff round win on your resume is a horrible look. Honestly, that's the kind of stuff I expected out of players like Patrik Laine and Jack Eichel, not Matthews. But here we are.

 

[WillNy29]

How do you figure one of the Top-5 defensive centers in hockey? He's not even close. The Rockets and the Hart are absolutely valid. Nobody is criticizing his numbers -- we're frustrated with:

1. His underwhelming playoffs. His PPG drops from 1.13 to 0.88 and his goals p82 drop from 52 to 38. He just hasn't been able to get it done in the playoffs. Not only that, his play regresses, which is why we won 1 round with him as our best player in 7 years.

2. To date, he's been more focused on draining every penny out of the Leafs than he is helping us build a winner. Should he be paid a top salary? Absolutely. Could he have taken a bit less on his last deal and given us more term? Absolutely. Does he deserve more money than Connor McDavid and Nate MacKinnon with his next deal? Absolutely not. But will he demand it? My guess is: Absolutely.

Unfortunately, until Matthews demonstrates he hates losing, can elevate his game in the playoffs, and is willing to sacrifice salary so we can ice a deeper, more competitive team around him, he deserves his fair share of honest criticism.

Say what you want, but if guys like Hedman, Kucherov, MacKinnon, Pastrnak, Point, Tkachuk, etc. can all take less for the betterment of their teams, so can Matthews. Being greedy when you have one playoff round win on your resume is a horrible look. Honestly, that's the kind of stuff I expected out of players like Patrik Laine and Jack Eichel, not Matthews. But here we are.

Matthews placed 10th in Selke voting just last year and has some of the best takeaway and defensive metrics amongst Centers in hockey all while being a 50+ goal scorer. Pretty unicorn like if you ask me. Matthews had like a 10 game playoff point streak going and was arguably the best if not second best player in round 1 this season. But we're going to discredit that because of round two. It's really a what have you done for me lately with this fanbase.

When McDavid makes 16 million on his next contract without having won a cup I hope we have the same criticism for him for being greedy. McDavid signed his contract a long time ago, when the collector comes due he will be the highest paid player in hockey.

 

[Boxscore]

Matthew placed 10th in Selke voting just lost year and has some of the best takeaway and defensive metrics amongst Centers in hockey all while being a 50+ goal scorer. Pretty unicorn like if you ask me. Matthews had like a 10 game playoff point streak going and was arguably the best if not second best player in round 1 this season. But we're going to discredit that because of round two. It's really a what have you done for me lately with this fanbase.

When McDavid makes 16 million on his next contract without having won a cup I hope we have the same criticism for him for being greedy. McDavid signed his contract a long time ago, when the collector comes due he will be the highest paid player in hockey.

Wait? "What have you done for me lately?" Really? Matthews had 7 runs as it -- seven! With zero progress. He's not a 19-year old rookie who just got bounced. And, to be perfectly honest, for all seven years Matthews has escaped any form of criticism by the club, the media, or the fans. Now people's patience is running a tad thin because it's been a year-after-year underachievement cycle, and here we are again with Matthews likely looking to drain every penny possible on a deal that only suits him.

As for McDavid and Matthews, let's be honest, there's no comparison. McDavid could retire tomorrow and go down as one of the greatest offensive forces in hockey history. His trophy case is absolutely elite -- unparalleled by any young player on the planet today -- and he just scored 150+ points, which is unheard of in today's game.

Has he won a Cup yet? Nope. Even though him and Draisaitl both carry the load and score a lot in the playoffs. The Oilers, just like us, are living proof that it takes a deep, committed team of gamers to win a Cup. And if McDavid and Draisaitl can't win a Cup without depth, why should we all be excited about Matthews and Marner doing what they cannot?

If we're being honest, If Matthews is going to demand 13.5 or 14 mil, teams couldn't pay Connor McDavid enough. But Auston Matthews is not him, Leon Draisaitl, or Nate MacKinnon. The problem is, Matthews wants to be paid on par with him but he simply cannot produce like him. Matthews just knows he's a darling in Toronto and has the Leafs bent over a barrel. Instead of helping the team, he's leveraging them. In the next couple of weeks we're going to see what Auston Matthews is made of.

 

[andora]

Wait? "What have you done for me lately?" Really? Matthews had 7 runs as it -- seven! With zero progress. He's not a 19-year old rookie who just got bounced. And, to be perfectly honest, for all seven years Matthews has escaped any form of criticism by the club, the media, or the fans. Now people's patience is running a tad thin because it's been a year-after-year underachievement cycle, and here we are again with Matthews likely looking to drain every penny possible on a deal that only suits him.

As for McDavid and Matthews, let's be honest, there's no comparison. McDavid could retire tomorrow and go down as one of the greatest offensive forces in hockey history. His trophy case is absolutely elite -- unparalleled by any young player on the planet today -- and he just scored 150+ points, which is unheard of in today's game.

Has he won a Cup yet? Nope. Even though him and Draisaitl both carry the load and score a lot in the playoffs. The Oilers, just like us, are living proof that it takes a deep, committed team of gamers to win a Cup. And if McDavid and Draisaitl can't win a Cup without depth, why should we all be excited about Matthews and Marner doing what they cannot?

If we're being honest, If Matthews is going to demand 13.5 or 14 mil, teams couldn't pay Connor McDavid enough. But Auston Matthews is not him, Leon Draisaitl, or Nate MacKinnon. The problem is, Matthews wants to be paid on par with him but he simply cannot produce like him. Matthews just knows he's a darling in Toronto and has the Leafs bent over a barrel. Instead of helping the team, he's leveraging them. In the next couple of weeks we're going to see what Auston Matthews is made of.

Very well said

 

[57 Years No Cup]

Matthews and Sundin have the same number of cup wins and about similar PPG in the playoffs.

I guess having back to back rocket seasons, a Hart Trophy, a Ted Lindsay Trophy and the only 60 goal season in leafs history all while being one of the top 5 defensive centres in hockey means he's not good enough.

We really like to lionize our players once we've dumped them for what could be players as good them one day...We also love the grass on the other side

Regular Season Participation Trophies.

<YAWN>

How do you figure one of the Top-5 defensive centers in hockey? He's not even close. The Rockets and the Hart are absolutely valid. Nobody is criticizing his numbers -- we're frustrated with:

1. His underwhelming playoffs. His PPG drops from 1.13 to 0.88 and his goals p82 drop from 52 to 38. He just hasn't been able to get it done in the playoffs. Not only that, his play regresses, which is why we won 1 round with him as our best player in 7 years.

2. To date, he's been more focused on draining every penny out of the Leafs than he is helping us build a winner. Should he be paid a top salary? Absolutely. Could he have taken a bit less on his last deal and given us more term? Absolutely. Does he deserve more money than Connor McDavid and Nate MacKinnon with his next deal? Absolutely not. But will he demand it? My guess is: Absolutely.

Unfortunately, until Matthews demonstrates he hates losing, can elevate his game in the playoffs, and is willing to sacrifice salary so we can ice a deeper, more competitive team around him, he deserves his fair share of honest criticism.

Say what you want, but if guys like Hedman, Kucherov, MacKinnon, Pastrnak, Point, Tkachuk, etc. can all take less for the betterment of their teams, so can Matthews. Being greedy when you have one playoff round win on your resume is a horrible look. Honestly, that's the kind of stuff I expected out of players like Patrik Laine and Jack Eichel, not Matthews. But here we are.

Excellent.

 

[57 Years No Cup]

Wait? "What have you done for me lately?" Really? Matthews had 7 runs as it -- seven! With zero progress. He's not a 19-year old rookie who just got bounced. And, to be perfectly honest, for all seven years Matthews has escaped any form of criticism by the club, the media, or the fans. Now people's patience is running a tad thin because it's been a year-after-year underachievement cycle, and here we are again with Matthews likely looking to drain every penny possible on a deal that only suits him.

As for McDavid and Matthews, let's be honest, there's no comparison. McDavid could retire tomorrow and go down as one of the greatest offensive forces in hockey history. His trophy case is absolutely elite -- unparalleled by any young player on the planet today -- and he just scored 150+ points, which is unheard of in today's game.

Has he won a Cup yet? Nope. Even though him and Draisaitl both carry the load and score a lot in the playoffs. The Oilers, just like us, are living proof that it takes a deep, committed team of gamers to win a Cup. And if McDavid and Draisaitl can't win a Cup without depth, why should we all be excited about Matthews and Marner doing what they cannot?

If we're being honest, If Matthews is going to demand 13.5 or 14 mil, teams couldn't pay Connor McDavid enough. But Auston Matthews is not him, Leon Draisaitl, or Nate MacKinnon. The problem is, Matthews wants to be paid on par with him but he simply cannot produce like him. Matthews just knows he's a darling in Toronto and has the Leafs bent over a barrel. Instead of helping the team, he's leveraging them. In the next couple of weeks we're going to see what Auston Matthews is made of.

You Sir, are THE MAN!

 

[TheGroceryStick]

If you're matthews would you leave?

For me, heck ya. There's plenty of better cities with less scrutiny from media/fans etc.

I love the Leafs...but if I were rich, I ain't living near Toronto, sorry.

 

[57 Years No Cup]

If you're matthews would you leave?

For me, heck ya. There's plenty of better cities with less scrutiny from media/fans etc.

I love the Leafs...but if I were rich, I ain't living near Toronto, sorry.

Yup. I've always thought getting out to somewhere out in the American SW was his endgame anyway. Still get the hockey star lifestyle and money with way less scrutiny to win. The warm weather is just an added bonus.

 

[rumman]

If you're matthews would you leave?

For me, heck ya. There's plenty of better cities with less scrutiny from media/fans etc.

I love the Leafs...but if I were rich, I ain't living near Toronto, sorry.

I agree with you, but the fan base thinks he loves it here, the over payment yes, the city itself not so much imo...........

 

[ToneDog]

Yup. I've always thought getting out to somewhere out in the American SW was his endgame anyway. Still get the hockey star lifestyle and money with way less scrutiny to win. The warm weather is just an added bonus.

If you are in it for the money Canadian hockey markets are not for you.

What ever happened to Nylanderthal ? What's his new burner account ??

 

[TheGroceryStick]

Yup. I've always thought getting out to somewhere out in the American SW was his endgame anyway. Still get the hockey star lifestyle and money with way less scrutiny to win. The warm weather is just an added bonus.

Exactly.
The Leaf fan in me says "nooo Toronto, hockey mecca! Win here and you're a king!! Blah blah"

They don't care - it isn't sour grapes either. If I'm signing for max dollar and length...its in a cool American city, the perks are endless. That's from a Canadian , can only imagine what Americans actually think... If he signs a deal in Toronto, I tip my cap and kiss the ground.

He's going to a California team - with a wild card in Dallas.

 

[rumman]

If you are in it for the money Canadian hockey markets are not for you.

What ever happened to Nylanderthal ? What's his new burner account ??

even with the exchange rate and affordable housing markets housing market? I mean Edmonton, Calgary, and Ottawa are very affordable markets.........

 

[57 Years No Cup]

If you are in it for the money Canadian hockey markets are not for you.

What ever happened to Nylanderthal ? What's his new burner account ??

I remember the poster but I'm unsure why this applies to my post.

 

[ToneDog]

I remember the poster but I'm unsure why this applies to my post.

It was a separate post but the web site merged it into my original post. Like Dubas, the web site thinks it knows better than everybody else. LOL.

 

[rumman]

It was a separate post but the web site merged it into my original post. Like Dubas, the web site thinks it knows better than everybody else. LOL.

after being away for the season I find this "merging" of posts annoying, and I can't find the emojji icon either, maybe like me my computer is too old............

 

[Mess]

If you're matthews would you leave?

For me, heck ya. There's plenty of better cities with less scrutiny from media/fans etc.

I love the Leafs...but if I were rich, I ain't living near Toronto, sorry.

Well that might not be the main reason.

Auston is American, born in San Ramon Caifornia, and he has a beautiful $3.5 mil mansion in Arizona he calls home in the offseaon, close to friends and family where he grew up.

If he wanted to return to his home country, and move to the LA/Vegas area near Arizona where he spends all his non hockey season time then no one could really blame him.

You can't control where your drafted but once a UFA you do have the choice.

 

[Peace Frog]

People instantly dismiss any possibility of a Matthews trade to AZ, but I’m not so sure. There are still possible destinations in Zona for the Coyotes to relocate to. Scottsdale, for example.

Don’t you think a Matthews trade to the Yotes could significantly, positively impact the potential for a new arena being built there?

Bettman would jiggle even more than he already does, if that were to happen. It would save his franchise and bring some big time excitement to the desert.

I also believe the Leafs could get more in return for AM34 from Arizona, because of the above impact he would have. If you were the owner of the Coyotes, wouldn’t you move heaven and earth to get Matthews?

He would impact so much more than just the on ice product. He would be the only player who could do for their franchise, what Gretzky did for LA. Or more accurately, what Bobby Orr did for Oshawa.

 

[57 Years No Cup]

PLOT TWIST:

Since no one in Toronto has the stones to trade Matthews, he is brought back after July 1 as an "own rental". If he asks for a big number in the meantime (which is likely) they let him go so HE'S the one who gets vilified by the fans (also known as the Tavares Strategem).

 

[ToneDog]

PLOT TWIST:

Since no one in Toronto has the stones to trade Matthews, he is brought back after July 1 as an "own rental". If he asks for a big number in the meantime (which is likely) they let him go so HE'S the one who gets vilified by the fans (also known as the Tavares Strategem).

That is what the Bruins did with Pasta. They refused to pay his ask but he did not back down and they settled in March. Bruins refused the ask of $11.25x8 of a 62 goal, 115 point player coming off a steal of a contract. LOL. We should be so lucky.