Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Auston Matthews

How Auston Matthews built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Auston Matthews is an American professional ice hockey center and captain for the Toronto Maple Leafs of the NHL. Known as "Papi" or "Tone," he's considered among the best players globally, praised for his all-around skill and scoring ability. His goal-scoring prowess is often compared to that of Alexander Ovechkin, highlighting his impact on the sport.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2004: Playoff Appearance

In 2016-2017, Matthews assisted the Maple Leafs in making the playoffs for the first time in a full 82 game season since 2004.

2004: Reaching 40 goals in a season

Since the 2004-05 lockout, Auston Matthews and Alexander Ovechkin are the only two rookies to reach 40 goals in a season.

2007: Ovechkin's 65 Goals

In 2007-08 Alexander Ovechkin scored 65 goals.

2012: Drafted by Everett Silvertips

In 2012, Auston Matthews was drafted 57th overall by the Western Hockey League's (WHL) Everett Silvertips but opted to play for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program.

August 7, 2015: Signed with ZSC Lions

On August 7, 2015, Auston Matthews signed a one-year contract to play in the Swiss National League A (NLA) for ZSC Lions.

September 18, 2015: NLA Debut

On September 18, 2015, Auston Matthews made his NLA debut and scored his first goal against Benjamin Conz of HC Fribourg-Gottéron.

February 3, 2016: Swiss Cup Win

On February 3, 2016, Auston Matthews recorded two assists in a 4–1 win over the Lausanne HC in the 2015–16 Swiss Cup final.

June 2016: Drafted First Overall

In late June 2016, Auston Matthews was selected first overall in the 2016 NHL entry draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs.

October 12, 2016: NHL Debut

On October 12, 2016, Auston Matthews made his NHL debut for the Maple Leafs against the Ottawa Senators and scored four goals, becoming the first player in modern NHL history to achieve this feat.

2016: Four Goals in NHL Debut

In 2016, Auston Matthews became the first player in modern NHL history to score four goals in his NHL debut.

2016: Drafted into the NHL

In 2016, Auston Matthews was drafted into the NHL after playing for the ZSC Lions and won a Swiss Cup title that year. He was considered the top prospect and was selected first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs.

March 28, 2017: Leafs Rookie Record

On March 28, 2017, Auston Matthews scored his 35th goal of the season, surpassing Wendel Clark's previous record for most goals in a season (34) by a Leafs' rookie.

November 28, 2017: End of Shot Streak

On November 28, 2017, Auston Matthews's 103-game streak of consecutive games with a shot on goal to start his career ended in a 4–1 victory over the Calgary Flames.

January 10, 2018: All-Star Selection

On January 10, 2018, Auston Matthews was selected as the sole Maple Leaf to participate in the 2018 NHL All-Star Game.

October 3, 2018: Season Opener Goal and Overtime Winner

On October 3, 2018, in the season opener against the Montreal Canadiens, Auston Matthews scored the team's first goal and the overtime-winning goal, leading to a 3–2 victory.

February 5, 2019: Contract Extension

On February 5, 2019, Auston Matthews signed a new five-year, $58.17 million contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

February 25, 2019: Third Consecutive 30-Goal Season

On February 25, 2019, Auston Matthews scored his 30th goal of the season, marking his third consecutive 30-goal season with the Maple Leafs.

October 3, 2019: Scored in Season Opener

On October 3, 2019, Auston Matthews scored two goals in the season opener against the Ottawa Senators, becoming the fourth player in NHL history to score in each of their first four season openers.

2021: Rocket Richard Trophy

In 2021-22, Auston Matthews set records for most goals scored in a single season by both an American-born player and a Maple Leaf, reached the 60-goal mark for the first time, and won the Rocket Richard Trophy for the second consecutive season. He was also awarded the Ted Lindsay Award and the Hart Memorial Trophy.

2021: Won Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy

In the 2020-21 season, Auston Matthews won the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy, which was awarded to the player who scored the most goals in the regular season.

January 3, 2023: Fastest Leafs Player to 500 Career Points

On January 3, 2023, Auston Matthews became the fastest Toronto Maple Leafs player to register 500 career points in a game against the St. Louis Blues.

August 23, 2023: Signs Four-Year Contract Extension

On August 23, 2023, Auston Matthews signed a four-year contract extension with the Maple Leafs, with an average annual salary of $13.25 million.

February 21, 2024: Reaches 50 Goals

On February 21, 2024, Auston Matthews reached 50 goals in the Maple Leafs' 54th game of the season against the Arizona Coyotes, making him the fastest American player to reach this milestone.

March 30, 2024: Multiple 60-Goal Seasons

On March 30, 2024, Auston Matthews became the ninth player in NHL history to achieve multiple 60-goal seasons, as the Maple Leafs defeated the Buffalo Sabres 3-0.

April 6, 2024: Reaches 100 Points

On April 6, 2024, Auston Matthews recorded his 100th point of the season with his 64th goal against the Montreal Canadiens, marking his second 100-point season.

August 14, 2024: Named Maple Leafs Captain

On August 14, 2024, Auston Matthews was named captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs, succeeding John Tavares and becoming the 26th captain in franchise history. He is also the franchise’s first American-born captain.

2024: Single Season Goal Record

In 2024, Auston Matthews set the single-season goal record of the salary cap era with a total of 69 goals, surpassing Alexander Ovechkin's 65 in 2007–08 and winning his third Rocket Richard in four seasons.

January 2025: Named Captain of the United States Team

In January 2025, Auston Matthews was named captain of the United States team for the 4 Nations Face-Off.

April 15, 2025: Scores 400th Career Goal

On April 15, 2025, Auston Matthews scored his 400th career goal in a game against the Buffalo Sabres, becoming the sixth-fastest player to reach the mark.