Columnist believes Matthew Tkachuk may be the best player in the world

Matthew Tkachuk played some very, very big field hockey all season long. In 2023, when his new team desperately needed his help to make the playoffs, the American scored 66 points in 45 games – for a total of 109 points this season. An absolutely incredible playoff push.

In the second half of the campaign, only Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Nathan MacKinnon produced more than him. That’s why Tkachuk has been mentioned in the conversation for the Hart Trophy in 2023.

The Hockey News columnist Michael Traikos heard Ray Whitney mention that Tkachuk was the best American in the NHL, which in itself is a tip of the hat to Toronto’s Auston Matthews.

Traikos added to that, however, by mentioning that with his playoff debut (5 goals and 14 points in 9 games), the Panthers forward has the makings of being considered the best player in the league.

Obviously, this questioning is extremely audacious. Connor McDavid scored 153 points this season.

There’s no doubt that McDavid is more talented than Tkachuk.

But does the Tkachuk of the playoffs have more impact than the McDavid of the playoffs? The question arises, especially considering that Leon Draisaitl is arguably more important to the Oilers’ playoff success to date.

There aren’t many players who manage to harness exceptional talent while disrupting opponents with their toughness and energy. Matthew Tkachuk has been doing just that since the start of the playoffs. Should he continue on his current path of success in the playoffs, who knows how far he’ll be able to push his elite status.

As of today, he’s arguably one of the few best players in the world. Where would you rank him?

In a gust

– Awesome day for the Poitras family.

– It’s not impossible that there will be more people at the Remparts than at the Panthers.

– Congratulations!