"Fleury no question" "Auston Matthews": NHL fans debate over who they feel was the most overrated player in NHL history

Auston Matthews and many other players became a focal point as NHL fans debated the most overrated player in league history. The conversation started when NHL analyst Mike Bartner asked on X (formerly Twitter),

"Which player has the most overrated career in NHL history?"

Fans shared various opinions, with names like Marc-Andre Fleury and multiple players, including Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, being mentioned.

Take a look at some reactions from NHL fans on X:

"Fleury no question," one fan said.

"Auston Matthews," a fan tweeted.

"McDavid, Draisital, Bouchard, Hyman, Kane, Nurse, and Skinner," another fan commented.

Here are some more reactions from fans on X.

"This kinda question sucks because people can’t comprehend to have an overrated you still probably need a great career. My first thought is Fleury but I think that take has become popular enough that hes becoming properly rated," one X user said.

"Ovechkin 100%. Longevity doesn't = greatness. Hitting 60 goals once, barely, in a pantheon of a league with 44 sixty goal seasons, where the 90's has been achieved, is not the stuff of greatest goal scorer ever," a fan said.

"Fleury, Marleau, and Rick Nash stand out to me in my time watching at least. Not saying they were bad, but just felt they were rated a little higher than their ability, because of how their career played out. Also as an oilers fan, I'll be honest...I think Ryan Smyth was quite overrated," another fan commented.

Leon Draisaitl ranked ahead than Auston Matthews in ESPN top-25 rankings

ESPN ranked Leon Draisaitl (13th) ahead of Auston Matthews (15th) in their top 25 NHL players of the 21st century. However, Editor In Leaf's Jeremy Franks sees this as a mistake in his report.

"The biggest discrepancy between the two players is defense. Matthews is by far the better defender and he doesn't take occasional shifts on the wing like Draisaitl," said Franks.

Both players have similar stats, like points per game and goals, but Matthews is stronger overall.

Auston Matthews: PPG (1.15), 368 goals.

Leon Draisaitl: PPG (1.19), 347 goals.

Matthews has won the Rocket Richard Trophy three times, while Draisaitl has won the Art Ross Trophy once. Matthews has led the NHL in goals since he joined the league.

Moreover, defensively, Matthews ranks high in takeaways and keeps giveaways low. Matthews stays at center, while Draisaitl sometimes plays on the wing. Last season, Matthews was nominated for the Selke Trophy as the best defensive forward.

Although both play with star teammates, Draisaitl benefits from playing with Connor McDavid, one of the best players ever.