Stanley Cup Champion Coach Joel Quenneville Reveals His Thoughts On Auston Matthews

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Tyler Ball
February 24, 2024 (12:05)

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A new interview with former NHL coach and 3 time Stanley Cup Champion Joel Quenneville has surfaced. During the interview Quenneville spoke about Auston Matthews and shared his thoughts on the American superstar.

Quenneville Reveals His Thoughts On Auston Matthews

Recently the Leafs Morning Take with Nick Alberga and Jay Rosehill had the opportunity to talk to former NHL coach John Quenneville. The biggest topic of conversation for the group was Auston Matthews. Quenneville began his thoughts on Matthews by talking about a former colleague's relationship with Matthews.

"He's fun to watch. I can remember when I was working with Don Granato in Chicago, who had him with the USNTDP... he used to say they used to beat teams pretty bad and Auston, by the third period, he used to have to tell Auston, 'okay, Auston, just take a little bit off here,' and instead of winning by 12 goals, maybe we win by 7 or 8. But he had a different level of ability. Domination might be part of it.

The now Sabres coach Granato had a glowing review of Matthews at the time but he has of course grown into a superstar since the time of those comments. Now Quenneville holds Matthews in elite company himself.

Quenneville Believes Matthews Is A Top 2 Player In The NHL

As Quenneville continued on he talked about Matthews' progress and development. He talks about Matthews' high hockey IQ and ability to find space to use his elite shot. Then Quenneville reveals that he believes Auston Matthews is a top 2 player in the NHL along with Connor McDavid.

I love the way he shoots the puck, I like how he finds a way to get himself open. The puck follows him around as well. Wants the puck all the time. You know, he's an elite, elite player. You're talking about McDavid and himself, maybe one, two in the game... Certainly Auston is having an outstanding year.

This is massive praise from a head coach who for years got to watch a player such as Patrick Kane play. The evaluation from Quenneville is always nice to hear and yet another example of Auston Matthews getting the respect he deserves from his peers.

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