Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews has found himself outside the NHL Network’s top five centers list for the upcoming season. The 27-year-old star was ranked seventh, trailing Vegas Golden Knights forward Jack Eichel, who landed at No. 6.
The announcement was made as part of the network’s annual breakdown of the NHL’s top 20 centers, a ranking closely followed by fans and analysts alike.
Auston Matthews Left Out of NHL Network’s Top 5 Centers List
The “who’s who” of elite centers is decided by NHL Network producers and analysts, weighing a mix of skill, consistency, leadership, and playoff impact.
While Matthews remains one of the most prolific goal scorers in league history, the panel opted to place him behind established names like Sidney Crosby and Aleksander Barkov, as well as Eichel, now the teammate of Matthews’ former running mate, Mitch Marner, in Vegas.
Matthews’ résumé is impressive. Since entering the league in 2016, he has led all players in goals with 401 and has recorded two separate 60-goal campaigns. He became Maple Leafs captain in August 2024, succeeding John Tavares, and is widely viewed as the face of Toronto’s franchise.
Yet despite those accomplishments, Matthews was judged outside the top five, sparking debate among fans who argue his offensive dominance deserves higher recognition.
One possible explanation is health. Matthews has battled through injuries in recent seasons, and questions around his durability may have influenced the panel’s decision.
Another factor is style of play. Analysts have reportedly felt that while Matthews excels at scoring, he hasn’t always showcased the same two-way edge that others on the list consistently deliver.
At the top of the rankings, Connor McDavid once again secured the No. 1 spot, followed by Nathan MacKinnon, Leon Draisaitl, and Barkov. Crosby rounded out the top five, proving that reputation and longevity remain key in the evaluation process.
Matthews’ Status Raises New Questions for Leafs Ahead of Season Opener
According to TSN Overdrive, there are growing concerns about whether Matthews is fully healthy heading into the Leafs’ October 8 opener against Montreal.
After a career-low goal output last season, scoring just 33 goals while battling injuries, questions remain about his readiness and ability to carry the offense without longtime linemate Mitch Marner.
Analyst Dave Feschuk noted that Marner assisted on half of Matthews’ goals in the regular season and 60% in the playoffs, making his absence a significant challenge for Toronto’s captain.
What remains to be seen is whether he can improve his overall performance to convince evaluators that he belongs not just in the top five but perhaps at No. 1.