10 most controversial rankings from TSN's Top 50 NHL players list feat. Auston Matthews at No. 3

By Nestor Quixtan

Modified Sep 28, 2024 00:46 GMT

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A recent TSN ranking placed Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews among the NHL’s top 50 players for the upcoming season. The list contains an impressive array of talent.

However, the rankings are not without controversy, especially with Matthews sitting behind some well-known names.

In addition, NHL fans and analysts have questioned many other selections from this year’s list. That said, let’s examine the ten most controversial rankings from TSN’s top 50 player list for the 2024 calendar.

10 most controversial rankings from TSN's Top 50 NHL Players list feat. Auston Matthews

#10. Mathew Barzal

The New York Islanders' top player came in at #49. Considering some of the names listed above Barzal, an argument could be made to place him higher. For example, young star Connor Bedard was ranked #34.

#9. Kyle Connor

Winnipeg Jets winger Kyle Connor made the list at #47. However, some believe he shouldn’t be on the list because his production has declined over the past few seasons. When healthy, Connor is one of the league’s best goal-scorers. But at this stage, it’s hard to see Connor ranked above players like Barzal.

#8. Tim Stutzle

Stutzle had a significant regression last year. After putting up 90 points in 2022, Stutzle returned to his usual output in 2023. While he’s still young and could become an elite player, there’s reason to state he shouldn't be among the top 50 yet.

#7. Sergei Bobrovsky

Bobrovsky was ranked #39, ahead of Andrei Vasilevsky at #42. Considering his track record, an argument could be made that Vasilevsky should rate above Bobrovsky. Vasilevsky had a down year last season by his standards.

#6. Zach Hyman

50-goal scorer Zach Hyman made the list at #35. However, there’s plenty of reason to rank Hyman ahead of players such as Connor Bedard, Filip Forsberg or Sam Reinhart. Hyman’s outstanding performance in Edmonton is consistent. Each year, Hyman has improved upon his previous totals, making the case for Hyman to crack the top 25.

#5. Evan Bouchard

Hyman’s teammate Evan Bouchard is ranked #30. Bouchard is an exciting young blueliner who could be in the Norris Trophy conversation this season. Considering other talented defensemen on the list, Bouchard could've been ranked higher. Perhaps once he wins a Norris Trophy, Bouchard will make that jump.

#4. William Nylander

There is an ongoing debate in Leafs Nation about whether Nylander is better than teammate Mitch Marner, who was ranked 23rd.

Nylander is an electrifying player but has lacked the year-to-year consistency that Marner has shown. It’s possible to state that Nylander should be ranked in the top 20. However, it’s hard to justify Marner being ranked that high.

#3. J.T. Miller

Miller is one of the best centers in the league. But does he deserve to be ranked #21? Miller rated above players such as Carolina’s Sebastian Aho and Vegas’ Jack Eichel. Yes, Miller had a 100-point season last fall. But he’s not the all-around player that Aho is. So, there’s plenty of room to discuss Miller's #21 spot.

#2. Igor Shesterkin

Shesterkin is considered the best goalie in the world at the moment. Given his value to the New York Rangers and the NHL, an argument could be made for Shesterkin to be in the top ten. Still, Shesterkin is the list's highest-ranked goalie at #17.

#1. Auston Matthews

The Toronto Maple Leafs captain ranks third behind Nathan MacKinnon and Connor McDavid. Auston Matthews’ 69 goals last fall were the most by an NHL player in over three decades. As such, several fans believe Matthews should rank higher than McDavid or MacKinnon.

However, it’s hard to justify placing Matthews over either star, especially considering that MacKinnon has a Stanley Cup and multiple accolades, and McDavid has won several Art Ross and Hart Trophies.