Daily Faceoff Live: Did Auston Matthews deserve an All-Star Game nod?

NHL Hockey Operations made their 32 selections for the 2023 NHL All-Star Game on Thursday night, one from every team with the remaining 12 spots up to the fans through voting.

One of the most notable snubs from this year’s game was Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews. While he’s only on pace for 40 goals this season compared to the 60 he scored last year, Matthews is still one of the biggest faces in the game, and is a staple for these kind of events.

While Matthews can still get voted in, Frank Seravalli and Matt Larkin talked about Matthews’ omission from the All-Star game, and what that says about the season he is having.

Matt Larkin: “I don’t think we could have anticipated Tage Thompson just becoming a god among men. I think that’s a big reason why if you look at the Atlantic roster. But at the same time, if Auston Matthews was just Auston Matthews, the numbers would be there, the pace would be around 60 goals, and we wouldn’t even be talking about this.

I think the thing with Matthews is, people underestimate how complete he is as a player. I don’t think he’s having a bad year, he’s on pace for “only” 95-97 points. He’s playing elite defense at both ends of the ice, it’s why I gave him my first place Hart Trophy vote last year. He’s a very complete player, so I still think he’s one of the best in the world.

If you look at the advanced metrics and the expected goals stats, he’s still right there, he’s actually been a little bit unlucky, so I fully expect a massive tear from Auston Matthews in the second half. That said, it’s surprising to see him be a snub. I just hate this format where you have to have a representative from every team, you get guys like Nick Suzuki in there instead of Auston Matthews.”

Frank Seravalli: “Yeah, I at least get the representatives of every team. First off, this is a weekend that, as John Tortorella said so eloquently on Thursday evening, he doesn’t give a bleep about. But more than that, a lot of sponsor integration, teams are sending lots of people from their own individual markets, employees, sponsors, partners, all different types of people on a little trip to South Florida. They’d like to at least see one player from their team. I get it, you got to represent all 32, and I’m on board with it.

But first off, expected goals do not count as real goals, and I get that Auston Matthews has been a complete player. But come on, this has been one of the most disappointing seasons that we’ve had a player have, I think, in a while, and until those expected goals turn into real goals, well then, I don’t know why it’s not being talked about more. And I know the Leafs are winning, and I know that they have their best season in franchise history last year, and they could potentially do better than that this year in the regular season, it’s still a little bit surprising that it isn’t that big of a topic.”

You can watch the full episode here…