Opinion: I think Matthew Tkachuk is the best player in the world right now.

109 points (40 goals) in 79 regular-season games.

21 points in 16 playoff games.

Four game-winning goals so far in the playoffs, including three against the Carolina Hurricanes. It goes without saying that Matthew Tkachuk is a gamer.

What he’s able to accomplish right now is nothing short of sensational. He’s the undisputed leader of the Panthers’ line-up, even though this is his very first year with the team.

But statistics aside, the American seems to excel in every facet of the game.

He’s more than capable of scoring goals and serving his teammates…

He LOVES upsetting opponents, because in reality, he can be quite hateful…

He’s a physical player…

He’s ready to give his heart and soul to his team, like a true veteran even though he’s only 25…

Above all, Tkachuk is at his best when it counts. There are no other complete players like him in the NHL. And that’s what leads me to believe that right now, I say right now…

Well, Matthew Tkachuk is the best player in the world. There, I’ve said it. The worst part is, I don’t seem to be even the slightest bit embarrassed to say it out loud.

I think back to his goal last night, scored with only five seconds left on the clock to send his club to the Stanley Cup final… And I still get chills.

I’m asking you a question and I’d like you to be 100% honest with yourself. Take a good 30 seconds to think about it seriously…

If you had to choose between Matthew Tkachuk and Connor McDavid for a game number seven, an ultimate game. The last game of the season. Which would you take?

We all agree on one thing: Connor McDavid is beyond phenomenal. On an individual and skill level, he can’t be beaten. The Draisaitl’s, Pastrnak’s, MacKinnon’s and Kucherov’s of this world are also sensational players…

But I don’t think any of them come close to Tkachuk’s level in terms of “complete player”. And the difference right now is that Tkachuk is capable of taking his club to the next level through his performance on the ice.

There are no right answers to the question of who is the best player in the world, because in reality, we all have a different opinion, and that’s the beauty of these discussions.

That said, right now…

I’m finding it very hard not to put Matthew Tkachuk at the top of my list for the reasons I mentioned earlier. But then again…

That’s just my opinion!

In Brief

– The kid’s talented.

– The idea of Mike Hoffman being bought out this summer is popular right now.

– Terrible news for Montreal CF, who will have to do without the services of their best striker for a little while.

– It’s time for this to stop.

– I see!