Auston Matthews

Auston Matthews has a history steeped in the world of professional hockey. His journey with the National Hockey League (NHL) started in 2016 when he was selected first overall in the entry draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs. Matthews made an unforgettable debut on October 12, scoring four goals and setting a modern NHL record. His debut was so impactful that his jersey became the highest-selling jersey in the NHL. In 2017, Matthews was recognized for his significant contributions to the Maple Leafs and was awarded the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's top rookie.

Matthews continued to build on his early success with the Maple Leafs by breaking multiple records and earning numerous awards. In the 2020-21 season, he won the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy as the league's top goal scorer. His outstanding performance in the 2021-22 season led to him winning the Hart Memorial Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award. During the same season, he set a franchise record for the Maple Leafs by scoring 50 goals in the fewest games, and broke the NHL record for most goals in a single season by a United States-born player with 56 goals. Furthermore, Matthews was named the winner of both the Hart Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award in 2022.

Matthews' skill and dedication to the sport have been recognized internationally. He has represented the United States in international play, including leading the team as captain to a gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics. His performance in the international arena earned him the USA Hockey Bob Johnson Award for excellence in international competition in 2015. Matthews was also named the most valuable player at the 2015 World U18 Championships and was awarded the NLA Rising Star Award the same year. Off the ice, Matthews has made his mark in the entertainment industry by appearing in the documentary series "All or Nothing: Toronto Maple Leafs" and featuring in the show "Justin Bieber: Seasons".