Toronto Maple Leafs: Comparing Mathew Barzal and Auston Matthews

Mathew Barzal of the New York Islanders and Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs are the best two young centremen in the NHL.

Last season, Matthews beat out Patrik Laine of the Winnipeg Jets for the Calder Trophy after a phenomenal rookie season. Matthews produced 40 goals, 29 assists, 8 PPG, 21 PPP and a 14.3 S%. Not only did Matthews post stellar statistics in the offensive zone, he also brought the Toronto Maple Leafs back to the playoffs. His biggest accomplishment, however, was leading the entire NHL in 5v5 goals, something he almost certainly would have done again this year, if healthy.

This season, there is a new player who will likely win the Calder Torphy . Matthew Barzal has been nothing but stellar for the New York Islanders. For a while now, the Islanders have been searching for a talented second-line centreman and they finally have one. Barzal has taken pressure off of teammate, John Tavares and produced incredible numbers. Currently, Barzal has 18 goals, 51 assists, 4 PPG, 20 PPP and a 12.5 S%.

Matthews

Let’s compare Matthews and Barzal.

From the get-go, Matthews showed his dominance. In his first NHL game, Matthews scored four goals against the Ottawa Senators. Even though the Toronto Maple Leafs ended up losing the game against Ottawa, Matthews instantly became a leader in the young Maple Leaf locker room. Matthews helped spark fellow Toronto Maple Leafs teammates including Mitch Marner and William Nylander who went onto to have amazing rookie seasons as well.

Matthews has shown throughout his short time in the NHL that he is a play-maker as well as a finisher. Last season, he lead the Toronto Maple Leafs in goals and tied for 7th in assists.

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If I had to compare Matthews to another centre in the NHL, it’d have to be Evgeni Malkin of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Just look at Malkin this season. Malkin has been a dynamo for Pittsburgh in the offensive zone. Malkin has tallied 38 goals and 46 assists. He’s shown to be pivotal in both play-making and sniper roles.

At the other end of the rink, Matthews has been sensational as well. Last season, he was the top Toronto Maple Leaf forward in blocks and takeaways. He also posted great corsi-for and fenwick-for percentages. He had a 52.2 possession rating and is forced to spend the majority of his ice-time against the best players in the world.

This season, he’s had some injury trouble. Recently, he was sandwiched in a game against the New York Islanders. Cal Clutterbuck and Adam Pelech busted up his shoulder. Even though he’s had injury problems, he’s prevailed. Matthews has 28 goals and 22 assists in 53 games this season.

Barzal

Let’s jump to Barzal. The main reason why I like Barzal is that he wasn’t the number one pick.

This season, Barzal has showcased his playmaking abilities. To date, Barzal has 51 assists and has successfully revived Jordan Eberle. The last few years in Edmonton were rough for Eberle. His point totals were dropping and it was clear that he needed a change. The sky-line of New York City fixed it. Barzal and Eberle have outstanding chemistry. With Barzal’s help, Eberle has been a goal scoring machine. Eberle has 23 goals in 66 games and could potentially pass the 30 goal mark for the second time in his career.

Goal scoring has been a big attribute for Barzal, but it doesn’t need to be. If he can make his wingers, Eberle and Anthony Beauvillier successful then he’s doing his job.

Similarly to Matthews, he’s great in the defensive zone. He’s compiled a 53.4 CF%, a 52.3 FF% and has had 50 takeaways. If he can keep up his strong work ethic, he’ll have a long tenure in Long Island.

Who Is Better?

Barzal is one of the flashiest, most fun players in the NHL. He’s had a great rookie season, but Matthews entered the NHL as a #1 centre, playing with two other rookies, facing tough minutes against top defenseman. In New York, John Tavares has that job, so if Barzal finishes with more points than Matthews, it hardly means he’s a better player.

Next: Let's Talk About Jake Gardiner

A rookie leading the NHL in 5v5 goals is an accomplishment for the ages. Barzal is flashy, and he’s very, very good. Potential superstar for sure. But Matthews is already a superstar. Matthews is already one of the five or so best hockey players alive.

So Matthews is better. Obviously.

Stats From NHL.com & Hockey-reference.com

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