Auston Matthews Was the 1st Overall Draft Pick in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. The Idea of Matthews Joining the Toronto Maple Leafs For the 2016-17 Season Excited Hockey Fans Throughout the NHL. Matthews Has Caused a Frenzy This Season With His Elite Play.
Auston Matthews made an incredibly big impression on the NHL following his rookie season. Between his four-goal debut in his first game as a Maple Leaf and his incredible race for the Calder Trophy, Matthews has be unstoppable.
Matthews' had an amazing season and playoff run with the Leafs this season. He's been a standout for his team and has struck the attention of hockey fans throughout the league. Matthews' rookie season was one that the NHL hasn't seen in a while and this success is only a fraction of what he is capable of. Here, we'll go over some grades for Matthews' first season in the NHL.
Toronto Maple Leaf Auston Matthews' Rookie Report Card
2016-17 Season Stats
40 G, 29 A, 69 P in 82 GP
2016-17 Playoff Stats
4 G, 1 A, 5 P in 6 GP
Offensive Play: A
Matthews made his NHL debut by notching a hat trick, plus one. Four goals in his NHL debut, Matthews was determined to make his entire rookie season a big deal. The rookie was a scoring powerhouse all season long and was always producing for his team when they needed it. The Leafs could always rely on Matthews to grab them a goal when they needed it.
Matthews tied for second place in the NHL in terms of goals with Nikita Kucherov, sitting second only to Sidney Crosby. Matthews has proved that, at the young age of 19, he is capable of bringing big talent. His offensive play has been outstanding and anyone who has watched him play knows that it'll only continue to get better.
Defensive Play: B-
Matthews wasn't known for his defensive play because he didn't have to be. He wasn't actively playing too much defense because of all the offensive power that he was able to bring to the game. He was the power forward and he didn't need to guard or show off his two-way play.
However, good things happened when Matthews was on the ice and he has a great habit of grabbing the puck. His presence in the rink made good things happen and whether he was guarding or not, he was making good things happen. He didn't play enough defensive play to really be a two-way player, but he didn't need to and only good things happened when he was around.
Play-making/ Ice Presence: A
As noted, good things always happened while Matthews was on the ice. He was constantly making plays and executing them. Whether he was grabbing the puck to set up a play or scoring a goal of his own, Matthews was an offensive powerhouse the entire time. The Leafs were always better off with Matthews on the ice than not and was able to rely on him to grab big goals when they need it.
Matthews' Ice presence has been extremely beneficial for the Leafs and the team, with the help of him and others made a pretty good stint in the playoffs before falling in round one to the Washington Capitals. The rookie was in control and dominating when he was playing and was consistently making good plays and offense.
Potential: A
Matthews' incredible rookie season is a direct reflection of the potential and career he has ahead of him. This rookie showed that his talent is unlike any other and that this is only the beginning of what he can bring to the game. The Maple Leafs have a good run ahead of them with the new talented youth on their team, Matthews being one of them.
Toronto is destined for big things in the new few years and Matthews is a big reason for that. Matthews is going to be one of the NHL's greats, not to mention that he will be one of the Maple Leafs' prized players. He will continue to bring good things to this team.
Overall: A
Overall, Matthews had an outstanding rookie season. He currently leads the race for the Calder Trophy and it wouldn't be surprising to see the rookie take home the trophy at the NHL Awards ceremony. He posted a season that some players don't post in several seasons and showed that he can perform just as well as any NHL-er.
Matthews gave the NHL a taste of what he could do in his rookie season and he isn't nearly done impressing hockey fans throughout the nation. His impressive season is characterized by his high skill level and ability to accurately judge his competition. He is an offensive powerhouse and it doesn't look like he'll be passing that role up anytime soon.
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