On Tuesday, the Toronto Maple Leafs, led by Auston Matthews, defeated the Edmonton Oilers 5-2 at Rogers Place, evening the season series at 1-1. This game reignited discussions about the ongoing rivalry between Matthews and Connor McDavid. However, NHL insider Jason Gregor challenged the common narrative, stating that Matthews should not be directly compared to McDavid. Instead, Gregor contends that Leon Draisaitl is the more appropriate player to compare Matthews against.
Reevaluating the Matthews and McDavid Debate
During his Sports 1440 show, Jason Gregor expressed his view that McDavid operates on a level above everyone else, which makes comparisons with Matthews less meaningful. He emphasized that the real debate should focus on which player is better between Draisaitl and Matthews. Gregor recalled,
“I still chuckle when I think about when I was asked to be a guest on Leafs Lunch, and, you know, they’re all McDavid and Matthews,”
Gregor said.
“And I was like, Well, I actually don’t even think that’s the comparison. The better question is, who’s better, Draisaitl or Matthews?”
Connor McDavid continues to dominate the NHL this season, leading the league with 95 points in 57 games, including 34 goals and 61 assists. His exceptional speed and playmaking abilities are central to Edmonton’s offensive success. Both McDavid and Draisaitl have been pivotal in driving the Oilers to two consecutive Stanley Cup finals in recent years.
Leon Draisaitl’s Advantage in Impact and Playoff Performance
Jason Gregor argues that when comparing Draisaitl and Matthews, Draisaitl holds a clear advantage, citing several factors for this stance. He highlighted health and consistency as important aspects, saying,
“I argue that Leon Draisaitl was [better] for a variety of reasons,”
Gregor said.
“Number one, health. But number two, he scores a lot of goals, right? Play Maker, and this was before dry subtle went on, you know, the ridiculous runs that he’s done in the playoffs, because if you just look at their playoff numbers, it’s not even a comparison.”
Gregor further emphasized the stark difference in postseason performance, stating,
“Never mind, McDavid. Give me a break. Matthews isn’t close to Draisaitl in the postseason, like, not remotely close.”
Statistically, Draisaitl has accumulated 52 goals and 141 points over 96 playoff games, nearly doubling Matthews’ playoff numbers of 26 goals and 59 points in 68 games. This discrepancy highlights Draisaitl’s impact in high-pressure situations.
Analyzing the Current Season Performances of Draisaitl and Matthews
Both players are celebrated goal scorers, but their playing styles and contributions differ. This season, Leon Draisaitl has recorded 27 goals and 51 assists in 54 games, placing him fifth in the NHL with 78 points. He averages more than 22 minutes on ice per game and manages Edmonton’s power-play unit, showcasing his versatility and leadership in offensive roles.
In comparison, Auston Matthews has tallied 26 goals and 22 assists across 51 games. While Matthews remains Toronto’s primary finisher, his scoring approach depends heavily on shooting volume rather than playmaking. Consequently, Draisaitl’s ability to generate scoring opportunities for teammates gives him an edge in overall offensive contribution this season.
Given these factors, Draisaitl currently holds a noticeable advantage over Matthews, both in regular-season consistency and playoff experience.
"If you just look at their playoff numbers it's not even a comparison…"@JasonGregor on Draisaitl vs Matthews. @PlayAlbertaCA. pic.twitter.com/lNjwMQAmd9
— Sports 1440 (@Sports1440) February 3, 2026
