It sure didn’t take long for the Maple Leafs first overall pick to grab the attention of hockey fans across the board lighting the lamp four times in game one.
Matthews led his team to the promise land as rookie and was consistent at both ends of the ice and simply won the hearts of the fans that support the blue and white.
Leafs Nation erupted when they won the first overall selection but I don’t think there were too many fans, even the die-hard homers who thought Matthews would pot 40 goals as a rookie and rack up 69 points. He was nothing shy of a dominant force on the ice and that continued into the post season when Auston scored four goals in six games and added a helper, impressive to say the least.
There will be some decisions to be made by management on what to do with Matthews’s line-mates. Obviously things were clicking when Hyman-Matthews-Nylander were in action, but with the recent addition of Patrick Marleau there may be some line shuffling, time will tell!
One thing is certain, if Hyman can continue to win battles and get the puck on the stick of his teammates that 2.25 million is going to be a steal. Matthews scored 40 goals on an all-rookie line and you have to think those numbers could rise with a force like Marleau on the wing. Lots of options for Mike Babcock as the Leafs have a number of quality forwards, so many that we still may see a move before the puck drops in October.
So Connor McDavid just signed a 100million dollar deal with the Oilers, that sure makes me nervous about how much the Leafs will have to dish out to our boy Matthews. Another fact that is interesting is Matthews’s jersey sales were fourth in the NHL and McDavid was sixth.
I must say I was surprised to see Kane and Toews sitting at number two and three in sales, shouldn’t those fans already have their player’s jerseys? Odd! I predict our boy Matthews will top the charts in 2017-18.
Another certainty heading into the 2017-18 NHL season is the fact that every team will be more knowledgeable of Matthews, Nylander and Marner. So there may be some line matching and shadowing going on, which of course would open up scoring for other players but may hinder the production of the three young studs. I doubt it as they are just too skilled to handle, but there is always a bit of a question mark as the boys enter their sophomore seasons.
So with the determination, clutch goal scoring and leadership that Matthews has shown, should the Leafs stitch the C onto his chest?
Absolutely they should. Why delay the inevitable? Matthews can handle the pressure and from what I see, all signs are pointing to number 34 being the face of the franchise for years to come. Hopefully until he’s retired and has hoisted a few!
What are your thoughts on Matthews becoming the Captain of the Maple Leafs going into the season? Is it too early? Is he ready for it? Or should they give it to Morgan Rielly?
Thanks for reading, happy Friday and enjoy your weekend!