Where is Auston Matthews from?

Auston Matthews was born in San Ramon, CA. However, he grew up in Scottsdale, AZ.

What was Auston Matthews’ childhood like in Arizona?

Matthews was raised in a non-traditional hockey environment in Arizona, where the sport had not yet taken off. He had trouble finding available rinks to skate and practice on in the desert. However, he found Arcadia Ice Arena in Phoenix, which became his home away from home and where he learned to play hockey.

When did Auston Matthews start playing hockey?

Matthews started playing hockey around age 5. He fell in love with the game after watching the Arizona Coyotes (now the Utah Mammoth) from the time he was 3 years old with his father and uncle.

Where did Auston Matthews play youth hockey?

Matthews played youth hockey with the Arizona Bobcats Midget Minor Program and with the Phoenix Firebirds.

Did Auston Matthews always want to play in the NHL?

Matthews is said to have told his mother at age 6 that he had dreams of playing in the NHL. He grew up playing both baseball and hockey but around age 13, he chose to put his sole focus into hockey. 

How old is Auston Matthews in 2026?

Matthews' birthday is Sept. 17, 1997. He will be 28 years old in 2026.

What is Auston Matthews’ career timeline with the Toronto Maple Leafs?

Matthews has played with the Toronto Maple Leafs for his entire career since he was drafted by the team in 2016. He won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league's top rookie, and he's recorded two 60-goal seasons. Matthews also has won the Hart Memorial Trophy and the Ted Lindsay Award and is a three-time Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy recipient. He was named captain in 2024 and became the first American-born player to hold the role in franchise history.

How many goals has Auston Matthews scored in his NHL career?

Matthews has scored 401 goals during 629 regular-season games in his NHL career.

How many 60-goal seasons has Auston Matthews recorded?

Matthews has recorded two 60-goal seasons in his NHL career: 2021-22 and 2023-24.

Has Auston Matthews won the Hart Trophy or Rocket Richard Trophy?

Yes, Matthews won the 2021-22 Hart Memorial Trophy, and he was awarded the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy following the 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2023-24 seasons.

How many NHL All-Star Games has Auston Matthews played in?

Matthews has played in five NHL All-Star Games.

What NHL records has Auston Matthews set or broken?

In Matthews' NHL debut, he became the first player in the league's modern era to score four goals in a first game. Matthews ranks second all-time in Maple Leafs history for career goals with 401. He sits just 20 goals shy of breaking Mats Sundin's record (420) and claiming the top spot in franchise history. In 2024, Matthews also became the first player in team history to score at least 40 goals in four consecutive seasons.

How does Auston Matthews compare to Connor McDavid?

Matthews and Connor McDavid are two of the best players to ever play in the NHL. McDavid was drafted first overall in 2014, and Matthews followed in 2015 also going first overall. The two players are best known for their elite goal-scoring ability. They both have won the Hart Memorial Trophy, the Ted Lindsay Award and the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy. Matthews also won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league's top rookie. Both still are in search of their first Stanley Cup.

How much does Auston Matthews make per year with his contract?

Matthews makes a reported $13.25 million per year under his current contract.

What is Auston Matthews’ net worth in 2026?

Matthews' net worth is an estimated $30 million.

What was Auston Matthews’ path to the NHL draft?

Matthews grew up playing junior hockey in Arizona and joined the U.S. National Team Developmental Program when he was 17 years old. Before he was eligible for the NHL draft, he played professionally in Switzerland with the ZSC Lions in the Swiss National League. In 2016, Matthews was chosen first overall in the NHL draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Did Auston Matthews play in Europe before the NHL?

Yes, Matthews played in Switzerland for the ZSC Lions in the Swiss National League the year before he was eligible for the NHL draft.

What records did Auston Matthews set with the ZSC Lions in Switzerland?

Matthews led the ZSC Lions with 24 goals and was tied for fourth in the league in goals and points per game. He won a Swiss Cup gold medal with the Lions and was given the NLA Rising Star Award.

What year was Auston Matthews drafted into the NHL?

Matthews was drafted in 2016 into the NHL.

What pick was Auston Matthews in the 2016 NHL Draft?

Matthews was selected as the first-overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft.

How many goals did Auston Matthews score in his NHL debut?

Matthews scored four goals in his NHL debut against the Ottawa Senators.

Did Auston Matthews win any international junior medals with Team USA?

Yes, Matthews won gold with Team USA at the 2014 and 2015 IIHF Under-18 Men's World Championships. He also earned bronze with Team USA at the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship. 

What is Auston Matthews’ nickname?

"Papi" is the nickname most commonly used for Matthews by his close friends and family and it's how he was known around the hockey community in Arizona. Now, teammates typically call him "Matty" or "Mats."

How much does Auston Matthews make from endorsements?

Matthews makes ~$5 million from endorsement deals each year.

Has Auston Matthews been on the cover of EA Sports NHL?

Yes, Matthews has been on the cover of EA Sports NHL twice: 2020 and 2022.

How many followers does Auston Matthews have on Instagram?

Matthews has ~971,000 followers on Instagram.

What are Auston Matthews’ hobbies outside of hockey?

Matthews likes to play tennis, golf, video games and spend time with his dog, Felix, outside of hockey.

What are some fun facts about Auston Matthews?

Matthews is known for his unique sense of style and fashion, his mother is from Hermosillo, Mexico and he's now widely seen as a pioneer for hockey in Arizona.