Maple Leafs: Monitoring Matthews Defensive Progress

Auston Matthews will not only have to replicate his rookie offensive production, but he will have show progress in his defensive game as well.

Number-one centers not only supply the bulk of the offense, but they also share defensive responsibilities. Last season, Matthews put on a show scoring 69 points (40 goals and 29 assists); catapulting him to a Calder Trophy. His offensive performance became a reason why the Toronto Maple Leafs were able to clinch a surprise playoff berth.

In his second season though, Matthews will have to take on more responsibilities. Yes, scoring goals and putting up points is a priority, but so should rounding out his defensive game. It’s not sexy, but it’s the duties on defense that will allow him to become an elite two-way center.

Matthews did display signs of a two-way game, and his four-goal performance is an example of it. Take a look at his second goal where he lifts the stick to take away the puck from Erik Karlsson. He showed flashes of his two-way game but it appears as though Mike Babcock will hand him more responsibilities on the defensive end.

What The Numbers Say

Taking a look at Matthews defensive metrics; it shows the shackles that were in place to protect him and improvements he must make. His 37% defensive zone starts on even strength last season enforces the notion that Babcock wants to ease Matthews into these responsibilities.

It appears as though the training wheels are slowly coming off. In their season opener, Matthews dSZ% saw a bump finishing at 42.9, so Babcock is gradually putting him out there to start the season. Instead of throwing him into the fire, Babcock understands that it takes the time it takes to become a reliable two-way center.

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When it came to his possession stats (what better way to play defense than controlling the puck), he owns 52.2 Corsi-For% at even strength.

Another interesting aspect in evaluating Matthews defensive performance is DWAR (Defensive Wins Above Replacement). His -0.05 DWAR is the result of protection and finding his two-way game in his rookie campaign. With more exposure to the defensive aspects of the game, this is another stat that should improve; indicating the progression of Matthews.

Measuring Stick For Matthews

Scatscattering throughout the league, there are a couple of players to use as comparables. The main being Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar who won the Frank J. Selke Trophy in 2016. If Matthews can develop a two-way game of Kopitar’s, then the Toronto Maple Leafs can reap the rewards.

For those who don’t follow LA, Kopitar hops over the board for any critical draw in their defensive circle. In his Selke winning year, the Slovenian’s dZS% was at 48%; meaning that half of the time it was him having to take a draw in LA’s zone. Resulting in him winning 53.5% of his faceoffs that season.

Next: Toronto Maple Leafs Need to Go All-In

If Matthews can emulate Kopitar’s defensive aspects and add it to his game; then they’ll have a game-breaking center who’s defensively responsible as well. Year two for Matthew will not only focus on his abilities to score goals and rack up points. It’s another stepping stone towards establishing himself as an elite center in the league.