Auston Matthews (drafted first overall in 2016) — Jonathan Toews (drafted third overall in 2006)
Another comparable just 10 years apart. Being the Leafs first overall pick in this years NHL entry draft, Auston Matthews has great expectations set on him. Being raised in the spotlight, he has learned to become a mature, elite player who carries himself like a leader both on, and off the ice.
Jonathan Toews has been nicknamed “Captain Serious” in the past due to his strong ability to lead, be responsible, and give serious interviews that make both him and his teammates look good. Matthews is very similar in this way.
Although he may not be captain (yet), he carries the same serious tendencies that Toews does, and we may even see him as captain of the Leafs in upcoming seasons.
On the ice, Toews is the perfect comparable for Matthews. Matthews’ two way game and defensive abilities are evidently similar to that of Toews.
They are both bigger bodies that are very capable of holding down the first line centre position for their teams. I think it’s safe to say that in a few years, Matthews can be the Leafs’ own Toews in his own right.