Matthews Is the Best Maple Leafs Player, Just Not the Greatest

In the long and storied history of the Toronto Maple Leafs, there have been some great players. Those who come to mind the quickest include Wendel Clark, Doug Gilmour, Borje Salming, Mats Sundin, Lanny McDonald, and Darryl Sittler.

But none of them probably have the talent that is emerging from Maple Leafs’ current first-line center Auston Matthews. He has already shown the skill necessary to set the franchise record in goals scored for a season with 60. He could even have scored more, except he missed time with injuries and from sitting out a two-game suspension.

Related: Maple Leafs News & Rumors: Niemela, Gaudette, Mete & Kessel

Does that Make Matthews the Greatest Maple Leafs Player Ever – Not Yet.

In this post, I’m going to make the case that while Matthews might turn out to be the best Maple Leafs player ever to don the Blue and While uniform, that doesn’t make him the greatest player in Maple Leafs’ history.

The difference between the best player and the greatest player is longevity and desire. So far, Matthews has finished six seasons with the team. Salming played 16 seasons with the team. Sundin played 13 seasons. In total, Clark also played 13 seasons. All of these players wanted to be Maple Leafs.

The turning point for me on assessing Matthews as the greatest player in Maple Leafs history hinges on what he does after his 2023-24 season. Should he stay with the team, he’d probably grow into my vote as the greatest Maple Leafs’ player. Should he move to another team, that won’t make him any less talented, but it would move him down my list and his place in Maple Leafs’ history. 

Related: HOW GOOD CAN MAPLE LEAFS AUSTON MATTHEWS BE IN 2022-23 – EVER?

For Me, a Player Must Want to Stay with a Team If He’s to Become That Team’s Greatest Player

Call me old-fashioned, but for a player to be voted as the greatest ever in the history of any NHL team, that player has to want to be with the team. Should Matthews leave, which is his right and I won’t hold it against him, he won’t likely get my vote. He’s still amazing and I won’t think any less of him.

Some fans would say that Matthews has not yet had an impactful postseason, where he’s carried the team to the Stanley Cup – or close. Sure that would be a feather in his hat, but the postseason isn’t my biggest concern. In that, Matthews doesn’t have to prove to me he’s got the ability. 

The key for me is whether Matthews decides to return to snowy Ontario and forsake the call of the Arizona desert. Should he do that, for me he’d be on his way to Maple Leafs’ greatness. The Stanley Cup Finals would be great; however, notice that none of the players I listed in the first paragraph of this post won the Stanley Cup either. And I think they’re all great Maple Leafs.

Matthews Is Already the Best American Player Ever, But …

Mathews might be the most skilled player to ever wear the Maple Leafs’ jersey. He might be the best goal scorer in franchise history. He might be the most impactful player on the ice. But, the greatest? Nope.

For my money, Matthews needs to remain a Maple Leafs’ player past the expiration of his current contract. He simply needs to choose to stay in Toronto.

Take nothing away from Matthews. He was a force to be reckoned with last season. He was rightfully named the NHL’s MVP. He’s a complete package and he’s getting even better. Once more offense than defense, he’s now a 200-foot player.

He’s amazing. His game is well-rounded. Expect anyone who wins the Rocket Richard would need to have an absolutely outstanding season. 

Wherever he lands after 2023-24 will be getting one of the most impactful NHL players ever and one of the best players on the globe. 

But he’s not yet the greatest player to ever wear a Maple Leafs’ uniform – only, for now, the best. There is a difference.

Related: If Sandin Wins Vs. the Maple Leafs: Will Fans Ever Accept Him?