2016 WJC: All Eyes on Auston Matthews
2016 World Juniors: All Eyes on Auston Matthews
Auston Matthews has been the talk of the town going into this year’s NHL Entry Draft and the World Junior Championships will be his go-to proving ground. Spending his time in Switzerland with the ZSC Lions, Matthews has been relatively hidden from the North American public in 2015-16 but the WJC will put an end to that.
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At just 18 years old, Matthews has garnered immense attention and praise since his time with the U.S. Development Program. He was an absolute stud with their National U-18 team. He scored 55 goals and 116 points in 60 games and proved to be one of the best young prospects in the world. Similar to Conor McDavid, Matthews finds himself in a pretty talented draft class but has clearly separated himself from the pack.
Initially slated to play for the Everett Silvertips in the WHL, Matthews decided to play in Europe instead of joining the junior or NCAA ranks. Despite the reasons, the simple fact that a European team used one of their import spots on an American teenager says a lot about his skill level. It is the first time a North American prospect has chosen to play in Europe and he has already proven his worth.
Playing under Marc Crawford with the Lions, Matthews has scored 14 goals and added 11 assists in 22 games. Being a men’s hockey league, Matthews has demonstrated incredible poise and maturity for his age. He is a good skater, has solid hockey IQ and is a reliable player at both ends.
With several draft hopefuls playing in North American junior programs, it is harder to judge just how far along Matthews is from the rest of the 2016 draft class. The WJC will be the most optimal time for analysis, and Matthews should have an added advantage after playing this season on international ice in Switzerland.
Interestingly enough, one of the candidates who could become the second best prospect is fellow American and WJC linemate Matthew Tkachuk. Son of USA Hockey legend Keith Tkachuk and currently playing for the London Knights in the Ontario Hockey League, Tkachuk has been playing with the highly-talented Mitchell Marner and is now tearing up the OHL with Arizona Coyotes draft pick and USA teammate Christian Dvorak. He currently has 14 goals and 45 assists in 29 games and looks to be one of the league’s top players going into this year’s WJC tournament.
Joining Matthews and Tkachuk on the first line looks to be Alexander DeBrincat, a smart and opportunistic forward who is currently fourth in OHL scoring, only behind Dvorak, Tkachuk and Marner. He had the pleasure of playing with McDavid early in his career and is now leading the Erie Otters alongside Dylan Strome, another Coyotes draft pick. He is able to find the right holes in the offensive zone which will fit in perfectly with the playmaking and puck-controlling skills of both Matthews and Tkachuk. His 33 goals in 30 games leads the OHL and his nose for the net will be in full use playing with Matthews and Tkachuk.
DeBrincat has become familiar with the spotlight after playing with McDavid and has truly found a consistent offensive touch. Despite his size and playing with OHL stars, DeBrincat is still a highly-touted prospect and should use this WJC to be solidified as a top-end player among this year’s draft class.
When comparing the USA first unit to the rest of the WJC, the trio could have a tournament to remember. They have the skills to light up the competition on international ice and Matthews’ experience playing with grown men will surely help them find success early on.
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The Americans have not won a medal in three tournaments but things could change this year. They have tremendous depth behind some incredibly talented players and look ready to get back to the top. Despite the talent on team USA and in the tournament, Matthews is by far the best NHL prospect in the world and there is a good chance he proves why in this year’s WJC.