Toronto Maple Leafs: Auston Matthews Is a Top-3 Fantasy Pick
The Toronto Maple Leafs have a star-studded team with many players who will be sought after in almost every fantasy draft.
Even not including their star players, the Toronto Maple Leafs have a very deep team with many players who will be on a lot of people’s fantasy teams.
One of these previously mentioned star players is, of course, Auston Matthews, the 2022 Hart Trophy winner.
The Toronto Maple Leafs star centreman realistically should be a top-3 pick in any fantasy draft, even with his less-than-ideal season last year.
Here’s why he should be taken in the top 3.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Auston Matthews Is a Top-3 Fantasy Pick
Unless your fantasy league plays with different rules than the standard, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl will be the first two players selected in almost everyone’s draft.
And rightfully so, with the exception of 2021-22, McDavid and Draisaitl have been the top-2 scorers in the NHL every year since 2019.
These two are no-brainers to be taken first and second overall in almost everyone’s fantasy draft.
After these picks, there are a few solid candidates for 3rd overall. Some might pick Nikita Kucherov or Nathan Mackinnon, some may take a defenseman such as Cale Makar, and some may even go off the board and take a goalie.
The right pick however is Matthews.
Most fantasy leagues value goals more than assists, and it’s pretty safe to say Matthews is the favourite for the Rocket Richard next year (along with McDavid, who’s being taken first overall anyways).
Secondly, Matthews is in a contract year, and he’ll want to be paid as much as he can. Winning his second Hart Trophy in three years would all but guarantee he’ll be the highest-paid player in the entire NHL.
Lastly, this might be the Leafs best chance for a cup, and Matthews is going to do whatever it takes to win it. The team has 12 pending UFA/RFAs on their team next season, including Matthews, William Nylander, and Tyler Bertuzzi, among others.
Who knows what their cap situation will be next season, and who knows which players will want to resign with the team?
Next year is huge for the Leafs as well as almost every player, especially Matthews.
The Leafs have high expectations for themselves next season, and so does Matthews.
Even with the uncertainty of the teams future roster beyond this year, one thing is for sure, Auston Matthews will be one of the top players in the entire NHL.
Next. Another Horrible Nylander Rumour. dark
If he’s still available in your draft after picks 1 and 2, you know what to do.