9 years later, how does Auston Matthews compare to the rest of the 2016 NHL Draft class?

When Auston Matthews was selected first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2016, it was a development that was expected to change the franchise’s fortunes. Matthews lived up to the preposterous hype and emerged as one of the best goal-scorers on the planet, winning the Hart Trophy in 2022, while capturing three Rocket Richard Trophies.

Matthews took over the Maple Leafs’ captaincy for the 2024-25 season, where the team was eliminated in seven games against the Florida Panthers. He’s lived up to the hype, but it’s worth revisiting where Matthews stands among the 2016 class, nine years removed from walking up to the podium.

Matthews is the headliner of a deep group

Toronto made the correct decision with the first overall pick and Matthews is the clear headliner of the class. Matthews leads all players with 401 goals and 727 points, and he’s made the greatest individual impact thus far. There are several great players in this cohort, including Matthew Tkachuk, while Charlie McAvoy and Adam Fox are truly elite defencemen. Clayton Keller and Tage Thompson are bona fide star forwards, while Brandon Hagel’s elite two-way impact and improved scoring touch is helping him ascend through the class rankings. Make no mistake about it though, Matthews’ individual output far exceeds anyone else in the class. There is one challenger to his 1A status, however.

Matthew Tkachuk is the lone real challenger to Matthews’ best in class status

It depends on what you value, but Matthew Tkachuk is the lone player in the class that can raise a claim for the No. 1 status. Tkachuk has won back-to-back Stanley Cups, while the Florida Panthers are well-positioned to three-peat next year. The 27-year-old has played the most games out of player in the class, with 642 contests under his belt, while Matthews ranks second with 629 games. Tkachuk has been a finalist for the Hart Trophy, he is arguably one of the most clutch players in the NHL as he raises his game during the postseason, If you’re evaluating for talent alone, then Matthews is the clear winner, but Tkachuk’s superior postseason resume at least invites an argument.

How Matthews stacks up

Matthews ranks first in goals and points, while ranking second in games played and assists. He’s the most gifted individual player in the class and he’s far superior to Patrik Laine, who many scouts positioned as a true challenger for the top pick in the 2016 NHL Draft. There is a real degree of separation between Matthews, Tkachuk and the rest of the group at this point of their careers.

Conclusion

It’s a compelling exercise and Tkachuk’s superior postseason resume is compelling but Matthews is a franchise-defining player for the Maple Leafs, and he’s the unquestioned face of the organization after Mitch Marner was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights. Tkachuk can show off his two rings and counting, and Matthews will need at least one Stanley Cup to vault him into the all-time discussions. Matthews is the best player in the class, while firmly in the prime of his career.