Editor In Leaf
Fansided

Toronto Maple Leafs: Auston Matthews and the Top 3 Centres in the NHL

By Jeremy Franks

TORONTO, ON - MARCH 29: Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers battles for the puck against Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs during the first period an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on March 29, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MARCH 29: Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers battles for the puck against Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs during the first period an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on March 29, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

Who Is The NHL’s Top Centre?

Head-to-head records offer more food for thought when comparing these stars.

Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Oilers favors Matthews (11-3-2) over McDavid (5-9-2). Avalanche vs. Toronto Maple Leafs sees a slight edge to MacKinnon (7-5) over Matthews (5-4-3). Oilers vs. Avalanche favors McDavid (9-4-4) over MacKinnon (8-7-2).

The biggest intangible is the championship that MacKinnon holds over McDavid and Matthews.

McDavid and MacKinnon are both capable of breathtaking, dazzling end-to-end rushes that leave fans and players alike in awe. Matthews is more likely to impress with his quick release or strength in the corners.

After last season, it is impossible to justify knocking McDavid off his perch as the best player, therefore, centre in the NHL, especially with his increased goal-scoring. He is also still the league’s best playmaker.

The look at defensive metrics shows that Matthews offers more help in all other areas of the ice.

McDavid is the top centre in the NHL, followed by Matthews, with MacKinnon third.

Next. The 6 Biggest Questions Heading into the Leafs Camp. dark

Thanks to Matthews’ defensive work, it is closer than some might think. Should Matthews bounce back this season and approach his prior Hart trophy form, there just might be a new king of the mountain.

Home/Analysis