Sandy Taver: Auston Matthews
I believe that like most Maple Leafs fans at least, I really am looking forward to seeing Auston Matthews- both at the World Cup of Hockey and then in the leaf uniform.
In fact, I’m most anxious to watch the under 23 team because they have quite a collection of young talent that should provide an exciting and high octane type game no matter who they are playing. These are the next generation superstars on display, which creates promise for entertaining hockey for the next 10 years and beyond.
My primary interest in Matthews is because he’s a Leaf for sure, and the only true potential superstar draft pick in years. It will be interesting to see how he fits into this group of talented youngsters, which roster spot he ends up earning, and how effective he will be, playing against the best in the world. No doubt this is a huge kick start for the season, which may make the nhl season a bit anticlimactic for players that have already been starting NHLers.
For Auston though, I think it will be a test first, and a confidence builder second, which will serve him well in finding his place on the Leaf roster.
Whether he shines or simply contributes, he will learn that he has the tools to be a difference maker, and taking the experience of that tournament to the pros will only help him build the confidence needed to start to the journey to becoming an elite player.
I do believe he will achieve that status but I’m not sure how quickly that will happen. No problem though since we leaf fans have learned how to be patient and we can finally have hope for a valid reason.
Next: Lauren Kelly: Connor Brown