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Toronto Maple Leafs Can Become the New 2010 Chicago Blackhawks

By Matthew Rodrigopulle

Nov 5, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) and forward William Nylander (29) congratulate defenseman Jake Gardiner (51) on his goal against the Vancouver Canucks at Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Vancouver 6-3. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) and forward William Nylander (29) congratulate defenseman Jake Gardiner (51) on his goal against the Vancouver Canucks at Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Vancouver 6-3. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 11, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) carries the puck against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Philadelphia 6-3. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 11, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) carries the puck against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Philadelphia 6-3. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Auston Matthews (drafted first overall in 2016) — Jonathan Toews (drafted third overall in 2006)

Another comparable just 10 years apart. Being the Leafs first overall pick in this years NHL entry draft, Auston Matthews has great expectations set on him. Being raised in the spotlight, he has learned to become a mature, elite player who carries himself like a leader both on, and off the ice.

Jonathan Toews has been nicknamed “Captain Serious” in the past due to his strong ability to lead, be responsible, and give serious interviews that make both him and his teammates look good. Matthews is very similar in this way.

Although he may not be captain (yet), he carries the same serious tendencies that Toews does, and we may even see him as captain of the Leafs in upcoming seasons.

On the ice, Toews is the perfect comparable for Matthews. Matthews’ two way game and defensive abilities are evidently similar to that of Toews.

They are both bigger bodies that are very capable of holding down the first line centre position for their teams. I think it’s safe to say that in a few years, Matthews can be the Leafs’ own Toews in his own right.

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