Patrick Kane makes a bold Auston Matthews statement, and it says a lot
Photo credit: Natalie Reid-Imagn, Nick Turchiaro-Imagn
Patrick Kane spoke on fellow countryman Auston Matthews, and why the Leafs Captain could be a record breaker.
Speaking on Auston Matthews, Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane spoke on his fellow American, and why Matthews has the potential to surpass Kane and other hockey players from the United States as the country's best.
Kane spoke as he chases down a milestone, just three points from overtaking Hockey Hall of Famer Mike Modano for second all time in points. Kane sits 20 points back from Brett Hull for first all-time among Americans.
As one of the most successful American-born players, Kane spoke on fellow American and first overall pick Auston Matthews, saying that the Leafs superstar has the potential to surpass him and the rest of the country's greats, calling him a special player who could end up in Kane's shoes.
That's the guy, right?
That's the next guy for a lot of American kids to look up to right now.
He's such a special player in a big market, and scores goals as good as anyone, pretty much, in the League.
He's so gifted in that the can score in so many different ways. His shot, his hands, getting to the front of the net.
Seems like he's been very driven lately too.
He's kind of leading their team right now, so definitely a guy we've got to watch out for. But it's always fun to go up against him.
That's the next guy for a lot of American kids to look up to right now.
He's such a special player in a big market, and scores goals as good as anyone, pretty much, in the League.
He's so gifted in that the can score in so many different ways. His shot, his hands, getting to the front of the net.
Seems like he's been very driven lately too.
He's kind of leading their team right now, so definitely a guy we've got to watch out for. But it's always fun to go up against him.
It seems the love is two-fold, as Kane revealed that Max Domi was gushing about him on a golf trip, with Max's father Tie ribbing him regarding his love of Kane:
Auston Matthews showing he can end up among America's greats
Auston Matthews is hard to doubt as the most dominant American NHLer of his generation, but time will tell if he will be on the level of a Patrick Kane or a Brett Hull, even if he looks he can be on track.
The difference between players like Kane and Hull in comparison to Matthews that gives them an edge is the Stanley Cup.
Kane won three times with the Chicago Blackhawks and Brett Hull won two cups.
Matthews could still best both in points, but a lack of a cup may put him behind in the discussion for the best American, although Hull won his rings later into his career.
Already one of the best goalscoring Americans in NHL history, Matthews needs four goals to pass Bill Guerin and enter the top-10 all time among USA players. Matthews sits second all time in PPG with 1.14, right behind Pat LaFontaine.
Statically, Matthews has a case to be among the league's best, but still is the question about the Stanley Cup, as well as if he can overcome the struggles he's dealt with this season in terms of production, which could slow down his current pace to match the best of the best.
With what should be a few years to stake his class among the greats, Auston Matthews has time to add to his career and make his case as the greatest NHLer to come from the United States.
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