Auston Matthews

About

Auston Taylour Matthews (born September 17, 1997) is an American professional ice hockey player who is a center and captain for the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League (NHL). He is widely considered as one of the best players in the world with his all-around game and shot threat. His goal-scoring rate has drawn comparisons to players such as Alexander Ovechkin.
Born in San Ramon, California, Matthews and his family moved to Scottsdale, Arizona when he was an infant. After playing baseball and hockey during childhood, he developed a particular interest in hockey after watching the local Phoenix Coyotes play. A product of the USA Hockey National Team Development Program in the United States Hockey League (USHL), Matthews played for the ZSC Lions of the Swiss National League before being drafted into the NHL in 2016, winning a Swiss Cup title that same year. Matthews was widely considered the top prospect of the draft and was selected first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Matthews became the first player in modern NHL history to score four goals in his NHL debut. He scored 40 goals in his first season in 2016–17, setting the Maple Leafs rookie record and becoming just…