Auston Matthews Bio
Auston Taylour Matthews (born September 17, 1997) is an American professional ice hockey centre and captain for the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League (NHL). Nicknamed “Papi” or “Tone”, he is widely considered one of the best players in the world with his all-around game and lethal shot. His goal-scoring rate has drawn comparisons to players such as Alexander Ovechkin. Born in San Ramon, California, Matthews and his family moved to Scottsdale, Arizona when he was an infant. After playing baseball and hockey during childhood, he developed a particular interest in hockey after watching the local Phoenix Coyotes play.
Early Life and Background
Auston Matthews was born in San Ramon, California on September 17, 1997, to Brian and Ema Matthews. His family relocated to Scottsdale, Arizona when he was just two months old. From a young age, Matthews attended Phoenix Coyotes games, where he was captivated by the sport. Initially, he was more interested in baseball, but after witnessing a memorable goal by Alexander Ovechkin during a Coyotes game, he expressed a desire to play hockey. Matthews began his hockey journey with the Arizona Bobcats minor hockey program shortly after his fifth birthday. His early exposure to the sport, combined with his family’s support, laid the foundation for his future career.
Path to Hockey
Matthews played in the 2010 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with the Kharkiv minor ice hockey team. He was drafted 57th overall by the Western Hockey League’s Everett Silvertips in the 2012 WHL Bantam Draft but opted to join the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, which participates in the United States Hockey League (USHL). During his time with the U.S. National U18 Team, Matthews gained national attention, finishing first in league scoring with 116 points in his second season. He was recognized for his excellence in international competition, winning the USA Hockey Bob Johnson Award in 2015. After completing his junior career, Matthews signed a one-year contract with the ZSC Lions in the Swiss National League before being drafted into the NHL.
Auston Matthews Career
Early Career (2015–2016)
Auston Matthews made his professional debut with the ZSC Lions in the Swiss National League during the 2015–16 season. He quickly made an impact, finishing the season as the second top-scorer on the Lions and winning the NLA Rising Star Award. His impressive performance caught the attention of NHL scouts, leading to his selection as the first overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Breakthrough (2016–2017)
Matthews made his NHL debut on October 12, 2016, against the Ottawa Senators, where he scored four goals, becoming the first player in modern NHL history to achieve this feat in his debut. He finished his rookie season with 40 goals, setting a Maple Leafs rookie record and earning the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie. His remarkable performance helped the Maple Leafs reach the playoffs for the first time since 2004.
Notable Works and Milestones
Matthews’ signature work includes his historic four-goal debut and his record-setting 40 goals in his rookie season. He has won multiple awards, including the Calder Memorial Trophy and the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy.
Auston Matthews Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Auston Matthews has received numerous nominations for prestigious awards, including the Calder Memorial Trophy and the Hart Memorial Trophy. His consistent performance has kept him in the conversation for the league’s top honors.
Auston Matthews Awards Won
Auston Matthews has won several awards during his career, including the Calder Memorial Trophy for the NHL’s top rookie and the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy for being the league’s leading goal scorer.
Auston Matthews Family
Auston Matthews comes from a family of athletes. His father played college baseball, and he has two sisters, Alexandria and Breyana.
Personal Life
Matthews is known for his dedication to the sport and his family-oriented nature. He has expressed a love for his dog, a Miniature Bernedoodle named Felix, which he got during the COVID-19 lockdown. Matthews has also been involved in various charitable activities and community outreach programs.
