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Auston Matthews 2016 Top Draft Pick Excites USA Hockey

ByJason Feddema|

The Future of Team USA Looks Bright

There was a lot of buzz this weekend surrounding the 6-foot-2, 195-pound center Auston Matthews (age 17), who is projected to be selected first overall at the 2016 NHL Draft. The Scottsdale Arizona native could join an elite list of 6 Americans drafted #1, including NHL stars Patrick Kane (drafted 2007) and Erik Johnson (drafted 2006), as well as the legendary hall of famer Mike Modano. This past week he was busy impressing the USA’s junior team’s coaching staff, including Ron Wilson and legendary defenseman Chris Chelios.

"“It was very clear that Auston possessed the athleticism, the skills and the hockey IQ of top young players.” – Peter Ward, Director of Player Personnel for the USA Development Program, on Matthews in 2013."

The future of American hockey certainly looks bright, as Matthews will be developing just slightly behind generational talent Jack Eichel, who captained Team USA in last year’s World Junior Championship. Eichel was drafted 2nd overall in 2015, but only ranked slightly behind the first pick Connor McDavid. While there is a lot to compare between Matthews and Eichel, they are taking two different routes to the NHL.

Auston Matthews’ Surprise Signing

Most American and Canadian prospects develop in either one of the CHL’s junior hockey leagues or play for an American college. Jack Eichel took the college hockey route by paying for Boston University. Despite being drafted by the Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League, Matthews will be taking an unconventional route in his development next season.

On August 7th, 2015, Auston Matthews signed to play for the ZSC Lions in Zürich. He will qualify to play in the Swiss National League A, a professional men’s league,  when he turns 18 this September. There he will be able to compete against higher competition and develop under the tutelage of former NHL coach Marc Crawford.

"“I am deeply grateful to the ZSC Lions for the opportunity to be a part of their wonderful organization and look forward to joining them next month… For now, however, my commitment is to my teammates and USA Hockey as we prepare to win tomorrow’s game.” – Auston Matthews interviewed by NHL.com on August 7th 2015."

Auston Matthews’ Performance at Camp

Matthews certainly stayed focused on USA Hockey, as he put up 1 goal, 2 assists and 3 points in USA’s 6-1 win over Finland the next day. Matthews closed out the National Junior Evaluation Camp (NJEC) averaging a point-per-game with 2 goals and 3 assists in 5 games. Last year at the IIHF World Under-18 Championship, Matthews was named MVP and lead the tournament with 15 points. Matthews also played for the US in the World Junior Hockey Championships, an under-20 tournament, the same year. USA won gold at the under-18 tournament, but failed to place in the under-20 tournament.

Later in 2015, Matthews also played in an exhibition game for the US Men’s National Team. Expect to see him make a splash at the World Junior Hockey Championship for Team USA in Finland this December. If all of this doesn’t make you optimistic for the future of Team USA, then try a dose of patriotism from Dean Lombardi and watch these Auston Matthews highlights:

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