NHL Draft: Auston Matthews vs. Patrik Laine Talent Comparison
By Arman Baz
NHL Draft: Auston Matthews vs. Patrik Laine Talent Comparison, Examining Which Prospect is Better
Most of you are probably going to have your own arguments regarding which 2016 NHL draft-eligible prospect is better in the ongoing debate of “Auston Matthews vs. Patrik Laine”.
In the end, they don’t play the same style of hockey, they are two completely different players, with a different personality. The only thing that separates the pair is a rank sheet showing by scouts of who the better choice is.
Auston Matthews
Matthews is typically the player that most teams dream about; A number one centre that may potentially lead your team to a future Stanley Cup. He’s the face of the franchise. But what type of player is Matthews?
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Matthews is a playmaker/two-way forward, the style of play best suited for centres. Currently, he’s being compared to legend Teemu Selanne.
He has developed his game to a high level that causes him to perform and stand out of the ice. Auston uses his gifted speed, shot accuracy and amazing passing ability to get around defensemen, score goals, make passes and defend well.
Overall, Matthews is the playmaker that can pass and score goals. He can do everything that a franchise center needs to be able to do. He still has many years to go!
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Patrik Laine
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Laine is being to compared to future HHOF, current stud, and amazing shooter Alex Ovechckin. Laine is the sniper that every team needs to win a championship. He will be your top goal scorer for many years to come.
He might not be a top point producer, but he’s probably going to score a lot of goals (plenty of game winners?). He has an almost identical one timer to the great Alex Ovechkin. and they seem to have the same hot spot that makes you believe that Laine will be more like Alex.
Not only is Laine known for his amazing sniper skills, you see him make some nice passes time to time – another element which makes him dangerous. Overall, Laine has a high potential of being an elite stud in the NHL.
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Who’s Better?
Well, neither.
Everyone is better in their own categories. Each possess different, but unique attributes that make the pair special in their own way. To an extent, you can say this is somewhat like comparing Sidney Crosby to Alex Ovechkin, but on a very different talent level obviously.
So, which top NHL Draft prospect would you prefer to have on your team, and why? Patrik Laine or Auston Matthews?