Auston Matthews: Inside the NHL star's meteoric rise, personal life, and powerhouse career with the Toronto Maple Leafs
Born on September 17, 1997, in San Ramon, California. Auston Matthews was raised in Scottsdale, Arizona. While baseball initially caught his attention, hockey quickly took over.
By age five, he was regularly attending Phoenix Coyotes games. His hand-eye coordination set him apart from his peers, and he eventually joined the USA Hockey National Team Development Program.
Matthews took an unconventional route to the NHL. And spending a season with the ZSC Lions in the Swiss National League. Instead of playing NCAA or Canadian junior hockey, his strong performance overseas raised his draft stock.
This is leading to the Toronto Maple Leafs selecting him No. 1 overall in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, the first American to do so since Patrick Kane.
34 Amazing Auston Matthews Highlights
A record-setting NHL debut and a Leafs legacy in motion
Matthews's debut in the National Hockey League was nothing short of sensational. In his first game, he scored four goals, setting a modern-era record for a rookie. His 40-goal rookie campaign earned him the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's best newcomer. He became only the second teen since the 2004–05 lockout to hit that goal milestone, joining Alexander Ovechkin.
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With multiple All-Star appearances, two Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophies, and a Hart Memorial Trophy under his belt, Matthews continues to elevate the Toronto Maple Leafs. His recent contract extension, four years at $53 million with an average annual value of $13.25 million, cements his status as the franchise cornerstone through 2028.
10 Things Toronto Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews Can't Live Without | GQ Sports
Life off the ice: Education, love, and brand power
Matthews lives a well-rounded life beyond the rink. He studied online at the University of Nebraska, Omaha, and often trains with teammates Mitch Marner and Morgan Rielly in Toronto.
He's been in a long-term relationship with Emily Ruttledge, a research assistant and graduate of Pepperdine University and LSE.
He's also a marketing powerhouse, endorsing brands like Apple, Bauer, and Porsche; his love for luxury cars includes a Porsche 911 Turbo S and a Lamborghini Urus, and in 2021, he launched his own NFT series. This is generating $200,000 in sales on the first day.
The Secret To Auston Matthews' Wicked Release | On The Couch With Colby
Stats, accolades, and what's next for Matthews
In just over 500 games, Matthews has tallied 315 goals and 252 assists for 567 points, he's a six-time NHL All-Star. And a two-time scoring champion, and the 2022 Hart Trophy winner, despite his youth, he's already one of the most decorated American players in NHL history.
With a net worth exceeding $60 million and a growing legacy in Toronto. Auston Matthews is not just a star; he's shaping the next era of the National Hockey League.
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