Former NHL player Jason Strudwick remains convinced that Auston Matthews should not rise above seventh place on the NHL Network’s Top 20 Centers Right Now list. This ranking, which sparked discussion among fans, has drawn varying opinions about where Matthews truly stands among NHL centers.
Several supporters questioned the position, with one fan stating,
“At worst, he’s the 7th best forward. 7th best center is ridiculous.”
Another added,
“I know he had a down year but does that really mean he’s this low?”
Despite these challenges, Strudwick stands by his assessment.
“No, I don’t have Matthews any higher than (seventh) at all. No, I could not at all endorse any idea where Matthews moves up that list. But it’s okay to be seventh,” Strudwick said (Timestamp- 1:30 onwards).
He acknowledged that placing Matthews as the seventh-best center globally is still a notable accomplishment but emphasized that Matthews must demonstrate more by returning to his usual scoring form and driving the Toronto Maple Leafs deeper into the playoffs with their revamped roster.
“There’s the ability for him to really flex his muscles, continue scoring, and push his team deeper than they have with this new mix they have here with the Leafs,” Strudwick said. “But as it is right here today, the end of August, there’s no way I could endorse him going up higher.”
Matthews recently completed a season shortened by injury, missing 15 games and finishing with 33 goals and 78 points in 67 games played.
What a Successful Season Looks Like for Auston Matthews
Jason Strudwick outlined his criteria for judging Matthews’ upcoming campaign with the Maple Leafs, focusing primarily on goal-scoring totals. He indicated that Matthews must surpass the 45-goal mark to have a truly successful season.
“I think with Matthews, it’s always going to be about the goal totals and I think he has to be north of 45 goals. That’s what I look at…”
Strudwick recognized that the departure of Mitch Marner to Vegas, a key component of Toronto’s power play, could impact Matthews’ offensive production. Nevertheless, he reiterated that achieving 45 goals remains essential for Matthews to meet expectations.
Supporting this view, analyst Dave Feschuk noted that Matthews has averaged 52 goals per full 82-game season over the course of his NHL career.
“He has, you know, he didn’t have last year, but um yeah, he’s averaging 50,” Feschuk said.
While assists contribute to Matthews’ overall game, Feschuk emphasized that the primary measure will continue to be Matthews’ consistent ability to score goals.
Outlook for Matthews and the Maple Leafs This Season
Auston Matthews enters the new NHL season under pressure to prove that he can regain his elite scoring pace and justify his ranking among the top centers in the league. His performance will be crucial for the Toronto Maple Leafs, who have adjusted their lineup following key roster changes.
Strudwick’s insistence that Matthews belongs at seventh highlights a cautious perspective, reflecting some unease about whether Matthews can meet the heightened expectations. If Matthews achieves or surpasses the 45-goal benchmark, his standing could improve, potentially helping Toronto advance further in the playoffs.
With fan debates continuing and analysts closely watching his progress, Matthews faces an important season that could redefine his place among NHL’s elite centers and shape the Maple Leafs’ postseason ambitions.