Since his arrival in the NHL, Auston Matthews has scored 401 goals in 629 games. But when the NHL released its list of the top 10 players ahead of the 2025–2026 season, Matthews’ name was ranked 15th—something many hockey fans find odd.
When Auston Matthews scored four goals in his NHL debut back in 2016, hockey fans knew he was destined for a special career. Since then, Matthews has hit the 60-goal mark and the 100-point mark twice. Only Alexander Ovechkin has scored more goals since Matthews entered the league.
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Auston Matthews not a top 10 player
But when the NHL released its list of the 50 best players in the league ahead of the 2025–2026 season, Matthews found himself in 15th place, behind names like Quinn Hughes (10) and Jack Eichel (14), for example. Connor McDavid, for obvious reasons, topped the list.
Now, fans are disappointed with Matthews’ placement, claiming he deserved a spot much higher up.
”What on earth?”
“Auston Matthews, a year and three months removed from being a Selke, Hart, Ted Lindsay nominee on a night he took home the Rocket for 69 goals—a cap-era record—and his second 60+ goal, 100-point season—isn’t a top 10 player?” one fan writes on X.
“No way you can convince me 6–10 are better than a healthy Auston Matthews,” another writes.
“How is Matthews not even in the top 10? What on f*cking earth,” a third writes.
“Ain’t no Leafs fan, that’s for sure, BUT Matthews is top 10,” a fourth adds.
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