Just because their teams are rivals, doesn't mean David Pastrnak can't show Auston Matthews some love.

"He has an unbelievable shot and skill set and he can find the soft spot," Pastrnak told reporters Tuesday, via TSN. "Every time he's 100% healthy he's showing that, and I just think he's a hell of a player."

During the summer, the Boston Bruins winger predicted that the Toronto Maple Leafs star would win the Hart Trophy this season.

"I don't think there's something wrong with just giving him credit when he deserves it," Pastrnak added. "It's early in the season, he's showing that he can score goals, and he's been showing that since he got here."

So far in 2019-20, Pastrnak is tied with James Neal for the league lead in goals with nine, but Matthews isn't far behind with eight. The two players clashed on Saturday, as Pastrnak scored a goal but Matthews helped set up the game-winner for Toronto in overtime.

The Maple Leafs haven't had a Hart Trophy winner in 64 years. Ted Kennedy won the honor in 1954-55.

The Bruins and Maple Leafs will meet again Tuesday night in Boston.

Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.