BREAKING NEWS: Much like scoring icons of the past, Auston Matthews of the Maple Leafs stands out as a unique talent.

Before Auston Matthews, the NHL of the 1980s and 1990s was a different landscape, where scoring 60 or more goals in a season was not uncommon. Icons like Wayne Gretzky, Brett Hull, Phil Esposito, Mike Bossy, and Mario Lemieux dominated, each boasting spectacular goal-scoring abilities. The last time anyone surpassed 70 goals in a season was in 1993, coinciding with the last Stanley Cup win for a Canadian team, notably the same season Doug Gilmour shined with 162 points.

Matthews stands out among these legends, becoming the ninth player in NHL history to achieve at least two 60-goal seasons. While Alexander Ovechkin has been a remarkable scorer, he hasn’t reached the 60-goal mark twice in his career, making Matthews truly exceptional, not only in Maple Leafs history but possibly in NHL history altogether.

However, comparing Matthews to Leafs greats like Gilmour, who possessed a different skill set focused on vision and playmaking, requires further consideration. Gilmour’s impact went beyond scoring, elevating the play of his teammates and embodying the spirit of the Leafs’ beloved teams of the 1990s.

Matthews’ achievements, particularly in today’s NHL landscape characterized by lower scoring, merit recognition. His potential to reach the 70-goal mark is unprecedented in the modern game, showcasing his scoring prowess amidst a league with reduced goal averages compared to previous eras.

While Mike Bossy’s natural scoring ability and Mario Lemieux’s artistic flair set them apart as goal-scoring greats, Matthews’ achievement of joining the elite 60-goal club highlights his originality and significance in NHL history. As he continues to make his mark, the challenge remains for Matthews to translate his scoring prowess into postseason success, a feat that would solidify his status among Leafs fans and NHL enthusiasts alike.