Craig Custance: I've had this argument enough already that I'm prepared for a quick answer. It's Auston Matthews. I'm not even sure it's a debate. I love Patrik Laine. Love him. Great shot. He's going to score a ton of goals. But if the talent is that close, you have to go with the center. That's how you win Stanley Cups, by building around franchise centermen: Sidney Crosby, Jonathan Toews, Anze Kopitar et al. Matthews looks to be in that class. The Winnipeg Jets have a good center in Mark Scheifele, so this might have worked out just about perfectly for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Jets, but if I had to pick one to start a franchise, it's a no-brainer.
Morning roundtable: Who is the better franchise player, Auston Matthews or Patrik Laine?
