Auston Matthews speaks with the media at the 2016 NHL Combine. – Russ Cohen
Future Watch: 2016 NHL Draft Prospect Profile – Auston Matthews – Right after the NHL Combine, one player who had to feel pretty comfortable with his draft status was Auston Matthews. Most believe he will be selected first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in a few weeks when the 2016 NHL Entry Draft gets underway in Buffalo, New York.
He graciously accepted the media bombardment as he answered tons of questions, about his test scores and more. He’s already set himself apart from the draft class. He was the only player of the expected top three who took part in the entire session.
Matthews placed in the top ten in two of the stations. Considering he has nothing to gain, it shows what kind of competitor he is. The Scottsdale, Arizona product never misses a tournament or an opportunity to show off his talents on the biggest stages.
Matthews has been playing professionally in the Swiss League but his time in Zurich is presumably over as he pursues his NHL dreams. The opportunity to work with former NHL head coach Marc Crawford was an invaluable learning experience for the young prospect. Crawford had nothing but greats things to say about the 18-year-old who chose to play professionally instead of going the more traditional college or junior hockey route.
He had 46 points in 36 games, scoring 24 goals in his Swiss season. His team sunk in the playoffs and it seemed like the long season away from home took a bit of a toll on the talented center. He still had three assists in 4 playoff games but he usually does better than that.
In the World Championships, Matthews was once again playing up to the competition. He has always been one of the youngest players and he shined. He had six goals and 9 points in 10 games. He scored some bigger goals than the MVP Patrik Laine, and with Maple Leafs coach, Mike Babcock, in the building, most feel like they’ve seen enough and they’ll select the 6′-2″, 216 pound generational talent.
With three gold medals already, an MVP award and All-Star selections in various international tournaments he’s ready for the next step. He won’t sneak up on anybody but many will watch him work.
Matthews currently doesn’t have any NHL licensed hockey cards. Upper Deck will certainly make the first, possibly as soon as including him in 2016-17 MVP or 2016-17 O-Pee-Chee. You can guarantee that when his Young Guns Rookie Card debuts, the demand will equal or exceed that of Connor McDavid’s last year.
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