Auston Matthews Gets Called Out Again After Underwhelming Performances

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Aaron Itovitch
November 25, 2022 (6:41 PM)

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Auston Matthews is currently the second-highest paid player in hockey.

He's coming off a Hart-winning season, where he scored 60 goals.

Yet, for some reason, he hasn't been a superstar this year. This isn't a knock at his game, as he's been a very good player. He's at a point-per-game, and has nine goals in 21 games.

For an average player, this would be amazing, but for Matthews, it's disappointing.

Now, he's been called out for this lack of superstardom, and not for this first time this season.

Sportsnet's Luke Fox was candid about his displeasure with Matthews' recent performances; saying this:

For one, even a slightly off Matthews is more effective that the bulk of the league. For two, the centreman's skillset is such that he could erupt for a 30-goals-in-30-games tear and make a detractor look foolish in the flick of a CCM.

And yet, after 21 games, the data and the eyeballs agree: We're still waiting on peak Matthews.

The reigning Hart, Ted Lindsay and Rocket trophy winner ranks tied for 32nd in goals (nine) and 33rd in points (21). Most shocking, Matthews is tied with a group of lesser talents for 243rd in even-strength points (six).

Absolutely, some of the superstar's quiet start can be attributed to a career-low shooting percentage (10.1). But whether it's a dip in linemate chemistry or, as Matthews mentions, a need to drive more to middle ice, there is another element at work here.

We may only be 21 games into the season, but if Matthews doesn't get out of this slump soon, the Leafs could struggle.

Source: Hockey Feed