I would say there is a zero percent chance - hell it's not impossible, let's say 2% chance that Eichel is better than Matthews. I think there are zero credible people who have or would say such a thing.

The odds of Eichel being better are roughly the same as Mattews being a bust.

I don't see how anyone can rank anybody ahead of Mario. IN the dead puck era, after overcoming cancer and not playing for 3 years, he came back at Christmas and missed the scoring title by just a few points.

That is the single greatest accomplishment in NHL history in my opinion. Even post lockout at 40 he was nearly a PPG. No one is better than Mario. No one.

You're probably right about the statue. I appreciate you reading and responding, thanks.
- James_Tanner

Not sure why anyone goes beyond Laine for comparison purposes? There is no doubt that McDavid is a generational talent. No fault in standing behind him in terms of talent. So, far and away the most important comparison for Matthews is the only other guy the Leafs could have taken 1st and that is Laine. If Laine wins the Calder, as many expect he will...the triumphal march around Matthews will miss a tiny beat. I expect Leaf fans will say they are okay with Laine winning the Calder. And, perhaps they are right. Malkin might have been the better choice.

I would say there is a zero percent chance - hell it's not impossible, let's say 2% chance that Eichel is better than Matthews. I think there are zero credible people who have or would say such a thing.

The odds of Eichel being better are roughly the same as Mattews being a bust.

I don't see how anyone can rank anybody ahead of Mario. IN the dead puck era, after overcoming cancer and not playing for 3 years, he came back at Christmas and missed the scoring title by just a few points.

That is the single greatest accomplishment in NHL history in my opinion. Even post lockout at 40 he was nearly a PPG. No one is better than Mario. No one.

You're probably right about the statue. I appreciate you reading and responding, thanks.
- James_Tanner

Well, the Eichel comment was more in jest, cause I think it's far too early to say that McDavid & Mathews will be the 2 best players in the league for 10 years.

As impressive as Mario has been, Mr. Hockey could do it all, except goal. He's even played D when pressed into that role. playing as long and well as he had is the most impressive feat in pro sports. He was the best, for many years, when there were only 6 teams to play for. I'm not going to try to convince you. But, i will say this. After retiring due to age and a wrist injury, he came back into pro hockey after doing nothing for several years, had his surgery and became the best player in the WHA which was supposed to be hull's league, who was also great NHL performer but much younger than Gordie.

Yes, this week will be very interesting for all Hockey Fans. Enjoy it.

It's certainly possible they'll take much longer, as in these examples. Although there are counter examples as well of teams who have risen more quickly with high picks. I think it could help that the Leafs have a better coaching and management group in place than some of the teams that have taken longer, and more resources.
- Zezel

Other than Pittsburgh when they drafted Crosby, although they also drafted Malkin the year before, I can't think of a team that turned things around quickly, as in two to three years quickly.

Hell even the Oilers when Gretzky came into the NHL only had 28 and 29 wins his first two years, and that was with five Hall of Famers on the team.

Not sure why anyone goes beyond Laine for comparison purposes? There is no doubt that McDavid is a generational talent. No fault in standing behind him in terms of talent. So, far and away the most important comparison for Matthews is the only other guy the Leafs could have taken 1st and that is Laine. If Laine wins the Calder, as many expect he will...the triumphal march around Matthews will miss a tiny beat. I expect Leaf fans will say they are okay with Laine winning the Calder. And, perhaps they are right. Malkin might have been the better choice.
- spatso

It doesn't matter if Laine wins the Calder. A fantastic winger is not as important to the Leafs then a fantastic centerman. Matthews fills a big hole on the Leafs and will be a great player.

Besides, who would want to be the GM who had the chance to take Matthews and didn't?

Not sure why anyone goes beyond Laine for comparison purposes? There is no doubt that McDavid is a generational talent. No fault in standing behind him in terms of talent. So, far and away the most important comparison for Matthews is the only other guy the Leafs could have taken 1st and that is Laine. If Laine wins the Calder, as many expect he will...the triumphal march around Matthews will miss a tiny beat. I expect Leaf fans will say they are okay with Laine winning the Calder. And, perhaps they are right. Malkin might have been the better choice.
- spatso

Who are the many the expect him to win Calder anyway?

Other than Pittsburgh when they drafted Crosby, although they also drafted Malkin the year before, I can't think of a team that turned things around quickly, as in two to three years quickly.

Hell even the Oilers when Gretzky came into the NHL only had 28 and 29 wins his first two years, and that was with five Hall of Famers on the team.
- LeftCoaster

But the point is, the Leafs have been collecting elite prospects for several years already.

But the point is, the Leafs have been collecting elite prospects for several years already.
- Zezel

Potential means nothing until realized, sure some great young kids, but as I said, that guarantees nothing. A lot of teams have great young kids.

Who are the many the expect him to win Calder anyway?
- ClarksonDavid

Spatso, Spatso's sock puppet, the black dog that talks to Spatso, the Strawman, etc

Potential means nothing until realized, sure some great young kids, but as I said, that guarantees nothing. A lot of teams have great young kids.
- LeftCoaster

No question.

Don't know much about Eichel or Mathews, do you?
- the_eye

See my response to James...just said that to see what he'd say about that as I don't think Matthews will be the 2nd best player for the next 10 years. gotta have some fun on this site.
That said, Eichel is comparable in age, size and ability, but I'd take Matthews ahead of him, for sure.

Shannahan has yet to actually provide results. He's done a great job so far, but let's see how it all plays out and if they can get past being a lottery team to being a contender. There are a lot of holes in the team as well as a lot of learnig for these guys to do. It's a long ways away and theres so much more to think about before considering him to be a success in any way, the single most successsful thing he's done so far is have the team finish last. Not exactly in the realm of a stanley cup.

Well, the Eichel comment was more in jest, cause I think it's far too early to say that McDavid & Mathews will be the 2 best players in the league for 10 years.

As impressive as Mario has been, Mr. Hockey could do it all, except goal. He's even played D when pressed into that role. playing as long and well as he had is the most impressive feat in pro sports. He was the best, for many years, when there were only 6 teams to play for. I'm not going to try to convince you. But, i will say this. After retiring due to age and a wrist injury, he came back into pro hockey after doing nothing for several years, had his surgery and became the best player in the WHA which was supposed to be hull's league, who was also great NHL performer but much younger than Gordie.

Yes, this week will be very interesting for all Hockey Fans. Enjoy it.
- haymac

I disagree with you. Not saying Howe was a bad player but Hull was much better in the WHA. He had many seasons over 100 pts and many over 50 goals scored.

Howe when he came back to play with his sons was old. Players had repect for him and barely gave him any body checks. You didn't want to be a 25 yr old who flattens a 50 yr old man. Not saying Howe was a bad player, he certainly is a Hall of Fame player. Just not the best as you said in the WHA.

Hawks are locked into an aging Keith/Seabrook combo and pay Toews and Kane way too much money and Crawford is only going to help you win if you're already awesome. I don't think they start to suck or anything, but I think their days as a legit contender are done for now.
- James_Tanner

Agree with you about Seabs, Toews and Kane, but did you actually watch CC the last 3 years? He was the reason they beat TB last year, and if it weren't for him and the Kane/AA/Panarin line, the Hawks probably miss the playoffs this year.

If the Leafs trade JVR, I can almost guarantee it will be for a defenseman and not a draft pick.
- James_Tanner

They passed on Hanafin last year... better than any Dman in this year's draft.

They passed on Hanafin last year... better than any Dman in this year's draft.
- Grumpy13

Yeah because they took BPA.

That isn't a bad opinion to hold. I do love Bowie. Honestly, I think most people who hate REM immediately think of Everybody Hurts and Shiny Happy People when they come to mind.

Do yourself a favor, order Murmur or Reckoning - their first two albums - or steal them or however you get your music, get them and give them a few spins. You'll respect REM way more.
- James_Tanner

I've never even heard of Murmur or Reckoning, so clearly my opinion isn't a fully-informed one. I'm (very) skeptical, but will give them a shot....

Yeah because they took BPA.
- ClarksonDavid

Debatable.... Marner and Nylander will get killed in the NHL unless Leafs sign some beef over the summer.

Debatable.... Marner and Nylander will get killed in the NHL unless Leafs sign some beef over the summer.
- Grumpy13

what is this the 80's? That's some silly thinking.

Debatable.... Marner and Nylander will get killed in the NHL unless Leafs sign some beef over the summer.
- Grumpy13

Don't worry. We'll get some enforcers like the Pens did

Shannahan has yet to actually provide results. He's done a great job so far, but let's see how it all plays out and if they can get past being a lottery team to being a contender. There are a lot of holes in the team as well as a lot of learnig for these guys to do. It's a long ways away and theres so much more to think about before considering him to be a success in any way, the single most successsful thing he's done so far is have the team finish last. Not exactly in the realm of a stanley cup.
- 13sundin13

A lottery team now means missing the playoffs and unless they somehow sign Stamkos and trade for a very good goalie it will happen again this year.

I choose to disagree. The Beatles and the Stones spent years unopposed with that tile to the point where it became ridiculous. Back when there were like 30 music critics on the earth and they were all white, old and into classic rock, sure no debate.

But with the amount of music out there, and the fact that I can't even barely stand to hear either of those bands on the radio, let alone ever actually put them on on purpose, I can't consider them the best of all time.

The Beatles and Stones are both amazing bands. They have some of the best songs and records of all time. But I don't really see how either are all that much better or interesting than R.E.M, Radiohead, the Pixies, New Order or the Cure.
- James_Tanner

All due respect those bands tanner do nothing for me and imo not that good.

They have nothing on reo speedwagon or stiff little fingers

I disagree with you. Not saying Howe was a bad player but Hull was much better in the WHA. He had many seasons over 100 pts and many over 50 goals scored.

Howe when he came back to play with his sons was old. Players had repect for him and barely gave him any body checks. You didn't want to be a 25 yr old who flattens a 50 yr old man. Not saying Howe was a bad player, he certainly is a Hall of Fame player. Just not the best as you said in the WHA.
- sparky

Really? Let's see, his first year after being retired for 2 & having surgery Howe out-scored Hull, who is 11 years younger, & Howe won the MVP trophy, which they then named after him. Hull was great, but Gordie was better.
Lots of goons threatened Howe and took runs at Gordie in the WHA, trying to make a name for themselves. He handled them all.

Debatable.... Marner and Nylander will get killed in the NHL unless Leafs sign some beef over the summer.
- Grumpy13

Plus if they're gonna get killed it's not debatable.

You're not wrong in that Leafs fans can be ridiculous. They aren't more ridiculous than anyone else's fans, there's just more of them.

But getting Auston Matthews can't be overrated. If you get Auston Mattews you have the second best player in the NHL for the next decade after Connor McDavid, so it's a pretty big deal, no matter how ridiculous we are as a group.

If you can find me another team that has ever had the #1 pick in the draft, the best player in the AHL and the best player in the OHL, then I'll take it back. But the Leafs also have Gardiner, Kadri and JVR (i.e excellent veterens) and a tonne of other good prospects they probably don't even have room for (Brown, Kapanen, Leivo, Bracco).

I think this one time we're allowed to be optimistic.
- James_Tanner

Scout Two: “I take Eichel over the pair of them. I just see Eichel having better skating, some speed, another gear that [Matthews and Laine] don’t have and I think that’s going to help him out and make him better longer into his career than the other two. And I think Eichel’s skill level is ahead of Matthews—[Eichel] gets underrated by a lot of people on that count."

http://www.sportsnet.ca/h...thews-three-scouts-weigh/

I think it's time to keep it in your pants until he plays a game or two or maybe a season in the NHL. Man you are wired, and by the way, the rebuild is not over. All these young players are not HOFers.

Scout Two: “I take Eichel over the pair of them. I just see Eichel having better skating, some speed, another gear that
- GilPerreault11[Matthews and Laine] don’t have and I think that’s going to help him out and make him better longer into his career than the other two. And I think Eichel’s skill level is ahead of Matthews—[Eichel] gets underrated by a lot of people on that count."

http://www.sportsnet.ca/h...thews-three-scouts-weigh/

I think it's time to keep it in your pants until he plays a game or two or maybe a season in the NHL. Man you are wired, and by the way, the rebuild is not over. All these young players are not HOFers.

Meh. Sportsnet. Never trust Toronto media