Welcome, Auston: Matthews Lining up with McDavid and Scheifele to Start World Cup
TORONTO — He hasn’t even played an NHL game yet, but Auston Matthews is about to debut on one of the most prominent lines in the World Cup of Hockey.
The promising Maple Leafs prospect and No. 1-overall pick at the 2016 NHL entry draft will make his Air Canada Centre debut on Sunday on a line with Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid.
As if just being in the lineup wasn’t enough excitement for his new hockey hometown. The development continued an incredible ascent for the 18-year-old Arizona native and second youngest player in this tournament.
For Toronto hockey fans looking for a glimpse into the future of the storied, rebuilding franchise, it only adds to the anticipation of Sunday night’s contest between Matthews and Team North America and Team Finland.
The two were first paired together for Friday’s practice at the Ricoh Coliseum, home of the Leafs minor-league affiliate Marlies.