Sidney Crosby praises Matthews with flattering comments.

If you’re a talented, breakout young rookie in the NHL today, it’s only a matter of time before your stock is measured against the golden standard.

That golden standard’s name is Sidney Crosby.

It sure didn't take long for the Toronto Maple Leafs’ Auston Matthews to be compared to Crosby. He’s sizing up nicely so far in his first NHL season.

Statistically, Mathews’ has tied Crosby’s goal-scoring total at 39 in their rookie seasons. Matthews won’t match Crosby’s 102-point rookie campaign however, as he’s sitting at 67 points with two games remaining this season.

Crosby himself has nothing but praises for Matthews, who he had a chance to get to know at this year’s All Star game. This is yet another rookie-season honor both players share, by the way. 

According to Toronto Maple Leafs reporter Kristen Shilton, Crosby had this to say of the All Star rookie:

“I think the biggest thing that stands out is how complete he is...His game is just so well-rounded. He’s a guy who can play away from the puck, he’s strong on the puck. He scores goals different ways, and that’s probably a big reason why he’s been so consistent.”

It takes one to know one, and both players support superior game sense, playmaking and shooting abilities. Crosby acknowledged that it takes more than raw talent to have the success Matthews has had in his first season:

“I think he’s shown a lot of maturity in his game early on…You can tell he’s really raised his game here down the stretch when the games have been important. He’s really embraced everything”.

The praise comes ahead of an vital game in the last weekend of the NHL regular season between the Leafs and Penguins in Toronto on Saturday. Mathews and the Leafs are desperate to pick up a win to try and finally secure their spot in the playoffs.