Toronto sports experts debate Auston Matthews' importance to 'The Six' over Raptors legend Vince Carter

Toronto sports analysts Bryan Hayes and Frankie Corrado debated the most valuable Toronto athlete of the past 25 years, comparing Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews to Raptors legend Vince Carter in the bracket.

On TSN's Overdrive, Hayes argued that Matthews outshines Carter, emphasizing Matthews’ remarkable on-ice achievements with the Maple Leafs.

While recognizing Carter’s iconic legacy, Hayes contended that Matthews’ dominance with the Maple Leafs surpasses Carter’s contributions to the Raptors.

(4:10 onwards)

"Auston Matthews, Vince Carter. No question. Matthews. Matthews. Yeah, I don't think Vince should have got through. Auston hasn't done it [championship] either. I mean, you got to be consistent on that. But, and even putting bygones aside, bygones be bygones. Vince was here for three years, four years of the, you know, century.

"Auston's been here for nine. Like, he's going into his 10th year. And as great as Carter was, he was not as great at his sport as Auston Matthews has been at his," said Hayes.

Corrado believes Matthews’ consistent excellence and long-term commitment to Toronto outweigh Carter’s cultural splash, which leaned heavily on those iconic dunks and his star power.

"But I think Auston Matthews' performance, 60 goals, 69 goals, Hart Trophy, Rookie of the Year... Yeah. That is, worth more than Vince being an icon on a poster. Yes. And he's still here, moving into the next 25 years," Corrado added.

Auston Matthews vs. Vince Carter achievements

Auston Matthews led the NHL in goal-scoring twice, achieving two 60-goal seasons (2021-22, 2023-24). The Maple Leafs captain won the Hart Trophy (2021-22) as league MVP and the Calder Trophy (2016-17) as NHL Rookie of the Year and has led the team to consistent playoff appearances, though no Stanley Cup win.

On the other hand, Vince Carter won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest (2000) and helped lead the Toronto Raptors to their first playoff series win in 2001 against the New York Knicks. He was instrumental in raising the team’s profile in a new NBA market and won the NBA Rookie of the Year award with the Raptors in 1999. However, Carter never won an MVP or an NBA championship.

Also Read: Seasoned sports expert ditches ex-Leaf Mitch Marner to choose Jose Bautista in Most Valuable Toronto Athlete

About the author

Abhishek is an NHL writer at Sportskeeda with over 2 years of sports reporting experience and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Delhi. He became a fan of ice hockey after watching NHL fight videos on YouTube, which led to him professionally writing about the sport and his continued interest in all things hockey.

A fan of the Boston Bruins, Abhishek considers their incredible comeback win against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2013 playoffs as the most iconic moment in the NHL. His admiration for the six-time Stanley Cup winners also comes from the team’s storied history, distinctive black and gold uniform and their success in the sport. His all-time favorite NHL players are Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid, for their ability to perform at the highest level consistently.

Abhishek ensures his reporting is fair and balanced by being well-researched in his details, which he expects to be relevant, up-to-date and in line with ethical standards. His specialties are doing detailed match analysis and covering fan reactions.

Abhishek enjoys music, traveling and going on walks with his three German Shepherds in his free time, along with learning about horticulture.

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Edited by Abhishek Dilta