Auston Matthews is an American professional ice hockey center and alternate captain for the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League (NHL). He is considered one of the best players in the NHL and is widely regarded as the face of the Maple Leafs franchise.
**Early life and career**
Auston Matthews was born in San Ramon, California, on September 17, 1997. He began playing hockey at a young age and quickly developed into a skilled player. Matthews played his minor hockey with the Arizona Jr. Coyotes of the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League (T1EHL) before moving up to play in the United States Hockey League (USHL) with the Dubuque Fighting Saints.
In the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, Matthews was selected first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs. He made his NHL debut in the 2016-17 season and quickly became one of the most exciting young players in the league. Matthews led all rookies in goals scored with 40 and was awarded the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's rookie of the year.
**NHL career**
Matthews has continued to be a prolific goal scorer throughout his NHL career. He has led the Maple Leafs in goals scored in six of his seven seasons in the league and has won the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy as the NHL's leading goal scorer twice. Matthews is also a two-time NHL All-Star and has been named to the NHL First All-Star Team twice.
In addition to his goal-scoring ability, Matthews is also a talented playmaker and two-way player. He is a complete player who can make an impact on the game in all three zones. Matthews is a key player for the Maple Leafs and is considered to be one of the best players in the NHL.
**Awards and honors**
* Calder Memorial Trophy (2016-17)
* Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy (2020-21, 2021-22)
* Ted Lindsay Award (2021-22)
* Hart Memorial Trophy (2021-22)
* NHL First All-Star Team (2017-18, 2021-22)
* NHL All-Star Game (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022)
* USA Hockey Junior Player of the Year (2016)
* CHL Player of the Year (2016)
* CHL Top Scorer Award (2016)
* CHL Sportsman of the Year (2016)
**Personal life**
Matthews is currently single. He is a private person and does not share much about his personal life.
**Impact on the game of hockey**
Matthews has had a significant impact on the game of hockey. He is one of the most exciting young players in the league and has helped to revitalize the Maple Leafs franchise. Matthews is a role model for young hockey players and is sure to be a star in the NHL for many years to come.
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