So I’m pretty old but as a kid, I loved a little magazine that came out once a month called the HockeyDigest. I still collect these magazines and my favorite part of them was when they would do an article on “Who is better?” And compare two players that normally wouldn’t be compared. This was the 1900s of course.

In honor of the four nations tournament and the fact they’re playing each other tonight, I thought I would do what might be the hardest comparison of all by what I believe are the two best Americans in the game. Auston Matthews and Jack Hughes..

It’s easier to start off with saying Jack Hughes has been injured a lot and has missed a lot of time where Auston Matthews has been relatively healthy but also has missed some time.

Shooting:
Auston Mattthews. This is a no-brainer because he might be the best shooter in the league. If he’s not, he’s up in among the tops. Austin scores in 65% of the games he plays where Jack scores in 37%…

Playmaking
Hughes holds the edge here…getting .57 assists per game as opposed to Matthews .51.

Stick handling
I’m just gonna come out and say it because I believe it and I’ve said it before. Jack Hughes is the best stick handler in the NHL. Nothing against Matthews at all.

Speed
Matthews fastest top speed of 22.47MPH.. often bigger guys don’t look like they’re moving as fast but he does…However, Hughes top last year was 23.2MPH..By the way Quinn Hughes is 24.2

Defensive game
This one’s not close. Nothing against Jack, but Matthew is one of the best defensive players in the NHL. The career plus minuses of these players…..Matthew’s 142, Hughe’s -41

Importance to their team
Last year the Devils went 23-32-10 without Jack
All Time the Leafs have gone 42-21-2 withou Auston

NHL Awards
Matthew’s has 1 Heart and 3 Richard’s

Head to Head.
They’ve payed 10 times and Matthew’s is 8-1-1
Jack is 2-7-1

Hughes has 3goals and 3assists, but Matthews has OWNED the Devils.with 10goals and 4 assists in just ten games…

Intangibles…
Hughes one of the best passers in the game, and Auston IS THE BEST at receiving passes so just wait for the Team USA Power play kids…


My Conclusion: It so close and I want to hear your arguments before I decide!

Have at it!

Join the Discussion: » 32 Comments » Post New Comment

» MacKenzie Blackwood has been traded to the Avalanche in 7 player Deal

» Source: Claude Giroux Could Become Top Trade Target. Provorov and NYR(e3)

» Special To Hockeybuzz. On this day in 1987 the Goalie Goal Was Born.

» Rangers go “Old-time Newsy” and heighten talks for JT Miller…

» Truoba a Duck. DONE