I completely agree about Sundin vs. Matthews. First of all, players like Sundin don't grow on trees in today's NHL. How many hulking centers currently exist who are offensively dominant, defensively sound, clockwork consistent, and physical with a bit of an edge?
With his size, skillset, and leadership package, Sundin would be a unicorn for the Leafs today. Sure, Matthews is a better goal scorer and perhaps a more aggressive backchecker (when motivated) but his resume only pertains to the regular season.
Sundin spent a good portion of his early career playing in the DPE and alongside a meh supporting cast. This was also pre-cap when the Nords and Leafs weren't ripe with talent. Unfortunately for Mats, he was traded by Quebec right as they were about to relocate and emerge as a powerhouse.
However, if you take a 25 year old Sundin and magically swap him out today with Matthews, he would be an elite, franchise center surrounded by high-end talent in a cap league. And, due to the other players on the Leafs, I feel Sundin would be a much “better fit” considering the Leafs already have multiple soft, offensive stars.
I also think Sundin today would be an annual 100+ point threat, similar to the production of someone like Matthew Tkachuk who had back-to-back 100+ seasons before lengthy and physically draining Cup runs. Sundin might not out point the Edmonton guys, MacKinnon or Kucherov, but either does Matthews.
Whatever gap in goalscoring exists between the two, Sundin makes up for it with leadership, durability, edge, dawg, and clutch play. Stylistically, there's no player today who compares to Sundin. He's sort of a blend between Kopitar, Pettersson and Barkov. And that player may not score 55-65 goals but they would still be an elite 90-105 point producer who can carry a team as a top 1C playing in all situations.
The biggest issue with Matthews is himself, imho. Once he got a taste of NHL success he morphed from a high-energy, clean-cut kid like MacKinnon into a wacky character with body tats, a cheesy mustache, purses, and an odd connection with Justin Bieber. He focused more on maximizing every contract and embracing his celebrity status than focusing on how he could carry his team over the stack of playoff failures.
Sundin, on the other hand, was the ultimate leader and team guy. He would go through wall for the Toronto Maple Leafs. He wore the crest with pride. He took the job serious and had a no-nonsense approach to how he handled his business. And he wasn't soft.. far from it... he was horse you could build around and count on regardless of the game or situation.
For the last few years I simply haven't “trusted” Matthews to be that guy. I expect a ton of goals and regular season excitement from him (and he sure delivers on that) but I have zero faith in him being able to lift the Leafs to the promised land because there's always the fear that the bottom will fall out with him... be it a playoff no-show or an injury at the worst time... there's just always a reason he (and the team) comes up short.
Quite honestly, I think it's the way Matthews is made. It's in his DNA. I think he's built for a stress-free regular season and not for battle when the games matter most. There's no level up with Matthews. Sundin was the opposite in ways. Look at how he dominated on the International stage and the intensity you'd get from him when needed.
My Spidey sense tells me the Leafs would be (and would have been) a better and more successful “team” with Sundin today. They might not be as flashy or exciting but they would be more well-rounded and fare much better in the playoffs.
