• Matthews, who joined Zurich of Switzerland’s top professional league for the 2015-16 season, averaged more than a point-per-game (24-22—46 in 36 GP) while playing under former NHL head coach and Stanley Cup champion Marc Crawford.

• A native of Scottsdale, Ariz., Matthews learned the game while playing in the local minor hockey system – including Bantam and Midget seasons with the Arizona Bobcats – before joining the USA Hockey National Team Development Program in 2013-14.

• In 2014-15, Matthews registered 55-62—117 to set U.S. Under-18 team records for goals and points in one season, surpassing Patrick Kane’s 52 goals and 102 points in 2005-06.

• A standout internationally, Matthews was awarded USA Hockey’s Bob Johnson Award in 2014-15, recognizing excellence in international hockey competition. He is a two-time Under-18 World Championship gold medalist (2014 and 2015), and in 2015 was named tournament MVP after leading all players in goals and points (8-7—15 in 7 GP). Matthews also has represented his country twice at the World Junior Championship (2015 and 2016), leading the 2016 tournament in goals (7-4—11 in 7 GP) to help the U.S. capture bronze. As an 18-year-old at the 2016 World Championship, Matthews led his team with six goals and ranked first on Team USA with nine points (6-3—9 in 10 GP; tied).

• A fan of his home-state Coyotes, Matthews began attending games when he was just two years old. His favorite players growing up were Shane Doan and Daniel Briere.

• Matthews’ father is from California and his mother is from Mexico. Recent NHL players of Mexican heritage include Scott Gomez and Matthew Nieto.

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GETTING TO KNOW AUSTON...

My go-to karaoke song is: 'Mr. Brightside' by The Killers
Last TV show I binge-watched is: Entourage
The celebrity that always makes me laugh is: Will Ferrell
The app I spend way too much time on is: Instagram
The coolest person I've ever met is: J.J. Watt
The athlete I admire most is: Steph Curry
If I could be one person for a day it would be: Leonardo DiCaprio
I am afraid of: Snakes
I dream of: Winning the Stanley Cup