Sunbelt hockey has been lambasted by fans from traditional markets as tacky and diluting the talent in the NHL by having too many teams. While these may (or may not) be valid claims, one thing that can not denied is the impact having teams in warm weather cities has had on youth hockey. Teams like the Arizona Coyotes and Florida Panthers have led to a major spike in markets such as Phoenix and Miami. One of these young players who picked up the game as a result of a pro team being in a non-traditional market is top prospect Auston Matthews of Scottsdale, Ariz.
The soon to be 17-year-old center is currently skating with the U.S. National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor, Mich. and is the projected top pick in the 2016 NHL Draft. Matthews’ skill set is immense as he simply does everything better than everyone else. From his uniquely efficient skating stride to his vision and world class shot, it’s no surprise Matthews posted 70 points in 64 combined games with U17 and U18 Development Teams.
At 6-foot-2, Matthews is a big kid who still has room to grow, and with his dominant all-around game I can see shades of Jaromir Jagr in the way his size and skill make him a dominant player. While it may be high praise as Jagr is one of the greatest players of all time, the upside and potential is there for Matthews. If Matthews continues to grow he could potentially be a 6-foot-4, 220-pound forward with the skills of someone much smaller, a true nightmare for opposing defenders.
Next year Matthews will have a big choice to make as his junior hockey rights are held by the WHL’s Everett Silvertips and playing NCAA hockey is an option. Regardless of where Matthews plays in his draft season of 2015-16, one thing is for sure: He’ll be the best player on the ice seemingly every time he is out there.
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