Matthews shows his gratitude for All-Star vote, touches on William Nylander not being selected
Late Thursday, several teams around the NHL learned more about the players who will represent them in Florida at the NHL All-Star Game the weekend of February 3rd-5th. With the Leafs already sending Mitch Marner, they had a number of legitimate players who have had strong campaigns up to this point who could have joined him. William Nylander has put up 3 goals and has 11 points through his past 10 games. However, Auston Matthews, has put up 7 goals and has 12 points in his last 10 games and looks to be heating up. As one of the most popular players in the league and with this portion of the selection process being a fan vote, it's no surprise that we'll see Matthews in his 6th All-Star game in his first 7 NHL season.
Matthews, who has had an uncharacteristically slow season, has still notched 24 goals and 51 points through 44 games throughout the 2022-23 season. He has also found a way to continue to round out his overall game, becoming more physical and playing a more complete game. Although Matthews isn't scoring at the crazy high pace we have become accustomed to, he is still a player you would want on your team simply because of the shooting threat he provides while making his linemates better.
Matthews has been banged up and dealing with an unspecified injury currently and could have benefitted from some additional time off. However, you'll never hear him complain. He was humbled by the opportunity and recognizes the honour of representing the Toronto Maple Leafs at the 2023 All-Star Game.
While Matthews was selected, there is plenty of buzz surrounding William Nylander and whether or not he deserved to go as well. Nylander, who has also put up 24 goals and 51 points this season, has really impressed fans and silenced his critics this season. Calgary-born Swede very easily could have represented the Leafs in Florida at the All-Star Game.
During his media availability on Friday, Matthews spoke very highly of Nylander, saying he is an unbelievable player and competitor who is extremely focused on his game. With some questions about whether or not being passed up would mess with Nylander's focus, Matthews believes that Nylander is strong enough mentally to not allow the ASG snub to bother him the rest of the way.
Through this entire process, Matthews continues to show his humility and gratitude for the opportunity he has been presented with while at the same time showing his appreciation and admiration for his teammates, including and especially Nylander.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 21 | 293 ANSWERS Matthews shows his gratitude for All-Star vote, touches on William Nylander not being selected Do you think Nylander should've gone to the All-Star Game | ||
| Yes | 269 | 91.8 % |
| No | 24 | 8.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
