Auston Matthews is an elite NHL goal-scorer. As he’s blazing a trail through the NHL, it will be interesting to see if he might be able to approach the hallowed ground of Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal record of 894 goals scored. Matthews currently has potted 354 goals; and, he’s young. He’s only 26 years of age.
That puts him exactly 540 goals behind the Great One. Yet, if he averaged 50 goals a season, the math is simple. He’d need to play 11 more seasons to catch and pass Gretzky. That would make him 37 years old, which is doable. But it’s a monumental challenge it itself.
While Matthews is undeniably a scoring maestro; still, a number of factors cast a shadow over the feasibility of his coming close to Gretzky’s remarkable goal total of 894 goals.
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Three Reasons Matthews Would Have a Tough Time Passing Gretzky
Here are three reasons why this pursuit will be an uphill battle:
Reason One: Matthews Faces Longevity Issues that Include His Own Decline
One of the most significant hurdles facing Matthews is the inevitable decline that befalls even the most prolific goal-scorers. History tells a sobering stories of players not lasting as long as expected and experiencing a substantial dip in production post the age-26 season.
Matthews is currently in his prime. But how long will he remain there? He must defy the typical trajectory and maintain elite performance for an extended period. And, that’s a challenging feat in the world of NHL hockey.
Reason Two: Matthews Plays a Sport Where Injuries Happen
Health is paramount for Matthews as he chases this scoring record. The physical demands of professional hockey make it a perilous journey. Matthews, despite a commendable track record of being on the ice for 90% of Toronto’s games, must work through the inherent risks of his chosen sport.
Any kind of major injury would be catastrophic for the pursuit of this record pursuit. Staying injury-free is a must if Matthews is to stay in the game for the extensive duration required. Can he do it?
Reason Three: Matthews Faces Challenges as the Environment of Hockey Changes
Gretzky was Great, and he deserves the nickname. But the truth is that he had it easier than Matthews has it. Unlike Gretzky, who thrived in the offensive heyday of the 1980s, Matthews faces the challenge of scoring in a more defensively structured era.
The current scoring climate, though historically average, poses a real threat. Any deviation from the status quo could mean a loss of critical goals each season for Matthews. He needs the NHL to maintain its current offensive setting (or to have it improve). That’s an external factor he has no control over but influences his quest.
The Bottom Line for Matthews Chase Down of Gretzky’s Record
In the pursuit of Gretzky’s goal record, Matthews faces an Everest-like climb. Extending the metaphor, he must traverse treacherous terrain that demands sustained brilliance, injury resilience, and an accommodating scoring environment.
Certainly, the Maple Leafs’ star has proven his scoring ability. Still, even if he has a long and healthy career, the historical context and external variables paint a tough picture. The bottom line is that the challenges ahead for Matthews might just be too tough to overcome.
All in all, the magnitude of the problem for Matthews – or any other goal scorer – becomes a reminder of just how tough it will be for anyone to surpass Gretzky’s enduring legacy.
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