Team Auston Matthews vs Team Connor McDavid: Who drafted the better squad at 2024 NHL All-Star draft?

The anticipation reached a fever pitch as the NHL All-Star player draft unfolded, revealing the star-studded rosters of Team Auston Matthews/Morgan Rielly and Team Connor McDavid. As fans eagerly await the showcase of elite talent, the question lingers: who drafted the better squad?

Team Matthews, boasting a predominantly Toronto Maple Leafs lineup, includes-

• Auston Matthews F Toronto Maple Leafs
• Morgan Rielly D Toronto Maple Leafs
• William Nylander F Toronto Maple Leafs
• Mitch Marner F Toronto Maple Leafs
• Jake Oettinger G Dallas Stars
• Clayton Keller F Arizona Coyotes
• Mathew Barzal F New York Islanders
• Igor Shesterkin G New York Rangers
• Filip Forsberg F Nashville Predators
• Alex DeBrincat F Detroit Red Wings
• Vincent Trocheck F New York Rangers

The core of Leafs players promises a seamless chemistry, given their familiarity with each other's playing styles. So does the combination of Samsonov and Vincent Trocheck of the New York Rangers. The inclusion of Jake Oettinger from the Dallas Stars adds goaltending prowess to the mix. Team Matthews built on an infusion of youth with Clayton Keller, Mathew Barzal, and Alex DeBrincat injecting speed and dynamism into the lineup.

On the other side, Team McDavid presents a formidable roster...

• Connor McDavid F Edmonton Oilers
• Leon Draisaitl F Edmonton Oilers
• Connor Hellebuyck G Winnipeg Jets
• David Pastrnak F Boston Bruins
• Rasmus Dahlin D Buffalo Sabres
• Robert Thomas F St. Louis Blues
• Sam Reinhart F Florida Panthers
• Sergei Bobrovsky G Florida Panthers
• Boone Jenner F Columbus Blue Jackets
• Nick Suzuki F Montreal Canadiens
• Tomas Hertl F San Jose Sharks

The Edmonton Oilers' dynamic duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are the heart of the operation. The offensive firepower is further amplified by David Pastrnak from the Boston Bruins and Rasmus Dahlin from the Buffalo Sabres, providing a well-rounded offensive and defensive balance. The goaltending duties will be handled by Connor Hellebuyck from the Winnipeg Jets and Sergei Bobrovsky from the Florida Panthers.

Which is better? Team Auston Matthews

While both teams showcase an impressive array of talent, Team Auston Matthews appears to have the edge in terms of compatibility. The Toronto-centric core, having played together extensively this season, brings a level of synergy that could translate into on-ice success. The youthful energy within Team Auston Matthews may also introduce an element of unpredictability that could catch the more seasoned Team McDavid off guard.

However, Team McDavid's lineup is not to be underestimated. The presence of veterans like Boone Jenner and Tomas Hertl, combined with the McDavid-Draisaitl offensive juggernaut, provides experience and firepower. The goaltending tandem of Hellebuyck and Bobrovsky adds a decent last line of defense.