On June 24, 2016, the Toronto Maple Leafs walked to the podium in Buffalo holding the most important draft selection in franchise history.
After finishing last in the NHL during the 2015–16 season, Toronto had earned the first overall pick and the opportunity to select the Player they believed would lead one of Hockey’s most passionate organizations into a new era.
There was little suspense.
For more than a year, Auston Matthews had been viewed as the consensus first overall prospect. His combination of elite skating, exceptional hockey intelligence, world-class shooting ability, and maturity made him the clear choice for a franchise beginning a complete rebuild under President Brendan Shanahan, General Manager Lou Lamoriello, and Head Coach Mike Babcock.
Nearly a decade later, the selection has proven to be one of the defining moments in modern Maple Leafs history.
Matthews did more than become an NHL star.
He became the face of one of hockey’s most recognizable franchises, one of the league’s premier goal scorers, and one of the NHL’s elite two-way centers.
Through multiple Rocket Richard Trophies, a Hart Memorial Trophy, and hundreds of goals, Matthews has consistently demonstrated why Toronto placed its future in his hands.
But great careers are measured by more than statistics.
The Hockey Resource Operations AI™ evaluates players by examining how closely they fulfilled the expectations that existed on draft day, how they influenced their organization, and how their careers compare to the alternatives available in the same draft.
For Auston Matthews, that evaluation begins with one simple question:
Would the Toronto Maple Leafs make the same selection again today?
Draft Day
Few first-overall selections have entered the NHL with expectations as high as Auston Matthews.
Born in San Ramon, California, and raised in Scottsdale, Arizona, Matthews followed a development path unlike most elite North American prospects.
Rather than playing major junior hockey in the Canadian Hockey League, he chose to compete professionally in Switzerland with the ZSC Lions during his draft season. Facing experienced professionals instead of junior competition accelerated his development and demonstrated a maturity well beyond his years.
Scouts consistently praised Matthews for his complete game.
Unlike many elite offensive prospects, he was viewed as a player capable of impacting every area of the ice.
His strengths included:
- Elite goal-scoring ability
- Exceptional puck protection
- Outstanding hockey IQ
- High-end skating
- Defensive responsibility
- Professional maturity
- Ability to elevate teammates
While every draft carries uncertainty, Matthews entered the 2016 NHL Draft with remarkably few question marks.
Most scouting services viewed him as one of the safest first overall selections in years.
Toronto agreed.
When Commissioner Gary Bettman announced the selection, the Maple Leafs believed they had found the centerpiece of their rebuild.
History has largely validated that belief.
Draft Snapshot
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Draft Year | 2016 |
| Overall Selection | 1st |
| NHL Team | Toronto Maple Leafs |
| Position | Center |
| Shoots | Left |
| Amateur/Professional Team | ZSC Lions (Swiss National League) |
| Birthplace | San Ramon, California, USA |
| Development Program | USA Hockey National Team Development Program |
Expectations Entering The NHL
Expectations for Matthews were enormous.
Toronto was not simply drafting another talented player.
The organization was searching for a franchise cornerstone capable of changing the direction of a team that had missed the playoffs in ten of the previous eleven seasons.
The expectations included:
- Becoming the Maple Leafs’ number-one center.
- Developing into one of the NHL’s elite goal scorers.
- Leading Toronto back to consistent playoff appearances.
- Becoming one of the faces of the franchise for the next decade.
Few first-overall picks enter the league carrying the expectations of an Original Six franchise.
Matthews embraced the challenge.
The Rookie Season That Changed Everything
Matthews wasted no time proving he belonged.
His NHL debut against the Ottawa Senators immediately became part of league history.
Scoring four goals in his first NHL game is virtually unheard of.
Although Toronto lost the game in overtime, the performance instantly confirmed what scouts had projected.
The Maple Leafs had drafted a genuine superstar.
Throughout the 2016–17 season, Matthews consistently demonstrated the qualities that made him the first overall selection.
His offensive instincts were elite.
His ability to create scoring opportunities in tight spaces separated him from most young players.
Perhaps most impressive was his confidence.
Rather than adjusting cautiously to the NHL, Matthews immediately established himself as one of Toronto’s most dangerous offensive weapons.
He finished his rookie campaign with 40 goals, capturing the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s Rookie of the Year.
More importantly, he helped return Toronto to the Stanley Cup Playoffs far earlier than many expected.
For a franchise desperate for hope, Matthews delivered it almost immediately.
A Franchise Cornerstone Emerges
Over the following seasons, Matthews transformed from an outstanding young player into one of the NHL’s elite superstars.
Every year, another part of his game improved.
His shooting became even more dangerous.
His defensive play matured significantly.
His faceoff ability improved.
His leadership responsibilities increased.
Rather than relying solely on offensive production, Matthews developed into one of the league’s most complete centers.
He became a player trusted in every situation:
- Even strength
- Power play
- Penalty kill
- Defensive-zone faceoffs
- Late-game situations
Few goal scorers maintain that level of responsibility.
Matthews embraced it.
His development reflected not only exceptional talent but also a commitment to improving every aspect of his game.
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