i'd probably have Ovi and Kane both down to the 3 in their positions and move Bread/March and Kuch/Pasta up. Maybe Matthews up one as well. But i mean everyone is nasty so its tough hahaha

I’d switch Rask with Kuemper.

How is Makar and Hughes top 5 defenders when they where do sheltered this year? There is alot of defenders that could have put up numbers close to them if they never started in the defensive zone

They aren't top 5 defenders. Top 5 defenseman tho. They're both so good at offense their defense hardly matters. High quality players.

I agree.



Until Hughes and Makar become more well-rounded players, I can't justify them being so high. They are insanely good offensive defensemen already at such a young age, but they need to improve their defensive-side of the game more before I can put them so high. They're basically the 4th forward when they're on the ice. I like both players a lot, but I think it's just too early to put them so high.

kane is not 1 and im still taking crosby over draisaitl, drai is awful defensively

I'd move Crosby and Matthews up and Draisaitl down. Drai is too much worse defensively. While his offence is better, his defence drags him down this list a bit imo

McD
Mack
Sid
AM
Drai

Eichel isn't worse or better than Matthews. Yet he never gets the respect

I have Eichel at #6. Personally I'm taking the goal scorer over the playmaker, and I also think Matthews is a significant upgrade defensively. But it is pretty close.

I mean Matthews is the second best 5v5 goal scorer in the league since he came in. 158 goals in 282 games. Eichel has 137 goals in 354 games.

And if you just look at last year 47 goals in 70 for matthews, 36 goals in 68 for eichel.

I know goals isn't everything. but they would both be described as goal scoring centers. And I'll take Matthews over Eichel defensively as well.

They aren't even close IMO. but obviously, I am bias, as are you the opposite way.

Eichel has as good a shot as Matthews he just doesn't shoot as much as he can, hasn't had a Marner until this year or a Hyman so hopefully he will shoot more this year with Hall. Eichel shod increase defensively when he isn't doing it all offensively.

True but teams matter I think and also, no one is going to compare someone like MacKinnon to other players for his first 4 years. But the years after that are what make him what he is now. Eichel had slow development compared to Matthews kind of a very similar career path to MacKinnon.

I know, this is why I also put in last years stats. Don't get me wrong, Eichel is good. But it's like a Mcdavid to Draisatl comparison in my eyes. Both players are fantastic but one is a step above the other.

There analytics are similar. By just looking at their RAPM chart. Eichel has the better basic stats since 16-17 too.

Sorry. I don’t think anyone who’s played less than 2 seasons should be in this discussion. Makar and Hughes will likely be top players one day. But give it some time.

That's fine I'll still take Matthews all day. Would you trade Eichel for Matthews 1 for 1?

I don’t agree with the centers at all honestly. Stone is top 3 probably, and Gibson, Vasilevsky, and Hellebuyck are top 3 too. If Hughes is top 5 then Dahlin is, because in my opinion Dahlin is better than Hughes.

The centers was the easiest one to do... Really interested to hear who your top 5 centers are.

McDavid, Crosby, MacKinnon, Draisaitl, Barkov. That’s mine in my opinion.

Okay. Well that's hardly different. You slightly reordered and replaced Matthews with Barkov. When you said you don't agree at all I thought you'd be swapping 3 or 4 guys. Or not calling Mackinnon a top 5 or something crazy. Ours are similar.

Not as a sabres fan or a fan of hockey because they are similar and he makes more. I mean those 2 players to me are weirdly the same best shots and releases in the game other than Ovis clapper IMHO. And similar size build, skating style and speed favors Eichel but still

Yeah and I wouldn't make that trade either. Matthews is worth the extra 1.6 in my eyes. They're not far off tho. I'd have Eichel 7 after Barkov in my list.

No. Matthews may be better which I have no problem in people thinking that. But Eichel contract is longer and cheaper.

I mean, on the one hand you have a vezina finalist who has, and i kid you not, the highest saved percentage of any goalie in NHL history (tied with Hasek and Ken Dryden ffs), and on the other you have a 30 year old goalie who was one (1) full season under his belt.

Seriously?

Oh no I wouldn’t do that. I apologize for my wording.