At one time, it was wild to assume that Alex Ovechkin might ever break Wayne Gretzky‘s all-time goal-scoring file. However, with that milestone now in attain, followers are understanding that even probably the most unbreakable data are breakable. It begs the query: if Ovechkin can do it, might another person? Mats Sundin believes that the identical aim isn’t out of the realm of potential for Toronto Maple Leafs’ new captain Auston Matthews.
Sundin, the Toronto Maple Leafs’ all-time main aim scorer, is making ready to see his file fall quickly. Matthews, presently 52 objectives shy of Sundin’s franchise mark of 420, is closing in quick. Sundin, who scored 420 objectives over 13 seasons with the Leafs, is aware of it’s solely a matter of time earlier than Matthews surpasses him—and he’s thrilled about it.
“It’s nothing I actually take into consideration,” Sundin stated at a latest Maple Leafs observe. “However Auston goes to beat my file, whether or not it’s this 12 months or subsequent 12 months, and that’s the way in which it’s presupposed to be.”
When requested how excessive Matthews might go and if Matthews might probably break Gretzky’s file, Sundin’s response may need been a bit shocking. The previous Leafs captain stated:
“I believe something is feasible. You have a look at the forwards the Leafs have—[Mitch] Marner, [William] Nylander, [John] Tavares—there’s a lot expertise up entrance. He’s obtained all the chances to interrupt quite a lot of data.”
What Different Data Will Matthews Break?
Matthews, who has netted 368 objectives in simply 562 NHL video games, can be inside placing distance of Darryl Sittler, who ranks second in Leafs’ historical past with 389 objectives. Barring harm, Matthews is about to turn into the Leafs’ all-time aim scorer sooner relatively than later.
However what about Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL objectives file of 894? Whereas Ovechkin is inside 41 objectives of tying the mark, Sundin believes Matthews has the potential to problem that file too. Matthews’ 368 objectives by means of his first 562 video games are corresponding to Ovechkin’s 341 objectives over the identical span.
With the assist of elite playmakers and his personal elite scoring skill, Matthews is on tempo to not solely declare the Leafs’ file however to enter the dialog for NHL historical past’s best goal-scorer.
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