Matthews remains the cornerstone scorer, carrying high goal-scoring upside and strong line chemistry with Nylander. His role anchors fantasy expectations, and any shift in supporting cast or power-play ownership will steer keeper and redraft projections.

Matthews’ approach of 4-5 year deals to maximize value is cited as a contrast to Kaprizov’s longer eight-year bid, illustrating a broader trend toward shorter-term, high-value agreements even as cap ceilings rise.

Matthews is floated as a rest option for Team Canada in the Olympic debate, highlighting star power versus playoff rhythm. His inclusion signals Canada’s reliance on elite talent to bridge a potential scoring gap, with rest potentially affecting ice time and production in Milan.

Matthews remains a rare, high-scoring, multi-cat threat whose goal-scoring pace drives fantasy teams; he’s a natural first-round pick when available, delivering elite goals with strong assists, power-play production, and consistent floor in standard formats.

Matthews stands as a Tier 1-2 hybrid: elite goal-scorer with heavy PP usage and a sizable goal-scoring floor. His consistency makes him a reliable anchor, yet the tiering notes suggest he may sit on the edge of top-tier volatility depending on line-mates and injury scenarios. He remains a premier asset when healthy and deployed on Toronto's power play.