Auston Matthews
With the first overall selection, the Toronto Maple Leafs draft Auston Matthews from Zurich SC. As a result of social media, questions were continuously raised yet, all things considered, there was never a doubt that the Leafs would select Matthews with the first overall pick in the 2016 draft. Winner of the Calder Trophy as the league’s best rookie, Matthews served notice to the NHL by scoring four goals in his debut. A feat never accomplished before in the modern era. At 6’3, 216 lbs., Matthews dominates every shift.
"Matthews is a strong, powerful player with the ability to make those around him elevate their games. A real good skater with powerful strides and strong jump. He possesses strong vision, excellent possession skills, a strong shot and the ability to create plays out of nothing for himself and his line-mates. He is also strong defensively, bringing a good effort level and complete game.” futureconsiderations.com"
Playing with on an all-rookie line with Zach Hyman and Nylander, Matthews game grew throughout the season. When asked before training camp what position he wanted to play, Matthews told Babcock, centre. Babcock explained what he expected from him. A 200 foot game on both sides of the puck.
Matthews didn’t disappoint. 40 goals, 29 assists, 69 points while dominating the competition.
Matthews 2016-17 records
- Franchise record for most goals: 40
- Franchise records for most points: 69
- NHL record for most goals by an American rookie: 40
- Most goals in a first game: 4
- Franchise rookie consecutive game goal streak: 5
- The fastest Leafs player in Leafs history to record 25 goals. In just 52 games played.
- Rookie SOG/season: 279
- Matthews is the first Leafs rookie to record a shot in every game he played*
*The only game Matthews didn’t record a shot was during the All-Star game finals.
Dominant by Christmas
"“We need him to be a dominant, dominant center for us (and) we think he’s going to be by Christmastime,” Babcock said Tuesday, per TSN. “We think he’s a very good player already, but we think he can be lights out both with and without the puck.” thescore.com"
While Matthews started the year centering the Leafs third line, he finished the season as the team’s number 1 C. Centring two rookies is no easy task. At the same time, doing so while maintaining positive possession stats is amazing.A Matthews may already be the second most talented youngster playing hockey. Anywhere. All things considered, he will be the first to raise the Stanley Cup when the Leafs bring home the championship.
Matthews is a talented hockey player. More importantly, he is a good young man. Leafs fans are proud of Matthews and the next generation of talented rookies who represent the franchise with pride and class.
The Leafs picks from 2010 onwards→ Ross, Biggs, Percy, Rielly, Gauthier, Nylander, Marner and Matthews.
The Leafs could have had →
Seguin, Hamilton, Rakell, Rielly, André Burakovsky (Shea Theodore)
Nylander, Marner, and Matthews.
The Leafs have Nylander, Marner, and Matthews
Matthews is the third piece of the three-headed Mathlander monster. The core is set.