How much of an impact has Auston Matthews had on fantasy teams in his rookie season?

As we reach the end of 2016, it seems like it was just yesterday that the Toronto Maple Leafs selected Auston Matthews with their first overall pick. In a draft without a Connor McDavid, people didn’t know what to expect from its rookies in their first years in the NHL. But through almost half of the NHL the season, several of the rookies from the 2016 draft class have already begun to make an impact on their respective NHL clubs and hopefully, your fantasy hockey teams. This week, we’ll be taking a look at Auston Matthews and his impact on the fantasy hockey world.

Starting with the first overall pick of the 2016 NHL Draft, it was not a surprise that the Toronto Maple Leafs selected Auston Matthews, especially after an impressive year in Europe. On people’s radar since he was just a little kid, Matthews joined the U.S. National Team Development Program in 2013. In 20 games, Matthews notched 10 goals and 10 assists and was selected to play for Team USA at the World U17 Hockey Challenge, earning a gold medal with the team. He would go on to spend another year in the program, recording 48 points in only 24 games and once again winning gold with the U.S. in the U18 World Championship.

However, despite being one of the top prospects in the world, Matthews decided to take a very unique developmental path in his first year eligible for the draft. Joining the National League A in Switzerland (Switzerland’s top league), Matthews joined the ZSC Lions and ended up dominating the league. With 24 goals and 22 assists, Matthews’ 46 points in only 36 games was tied for the tenth-most points in the league. He was quickly showing NHL teams that he was the real deal, and the Leafs did not hesitate to select him with their pick.

Spending his rookie year in Toronto, people weren’t sure just how much of an immediate impact Matthews would have on the Leafs. There was no doubt he would be a key difference maker in the future, but it’s hard to jump straight in the NHL and make an impact. But now averaging over 17 minutes a game for the Leafs, Matthews has already become a key contributor on the club and has turned quite a few heads. As always, we’ll be using our trusty Fantasy Hockey Geek Tool to see how much value Matthews has been providing to fantasy hockey teams.
 

Even though Matthews was only just drafted inside the top-100, he has kept pace with some pretty big names. Nikita Kucherov was drafted on average 38^th overall and Mark Scheifele was on average selected with the 54^th pick in most fantasy leagues. However, Matthews, Scheifele, and Kucherov have all provided around the same value. His scoring has been great for a rookie, as he’s already tallied 30 points in 35 games. At a 70-point pace, Matthews is tied for the 27^th most points in the league and is ahead of names such as Blake Wheeler and Alex Ovechkin.

But what’s probably been most impressive is his shot totals. With 130 shots through 35 games, Matthews’ fourth-most shot totals significantly boosts his value in fantasy leagues that count the category. As of now, Matthews has the most shots on goal by any rookie and is the only rookie this season to record over 100 shots. Matthews is on pace to take over 300 shots by the end of the year, which would make him the first rookie to do that since Alex Ovechkin in 2006.

Poolies weren’t sure what to expect from Matthews this season, but those who drafted him shouldn’t be disappointed. His offensive production has been amazing as a rookie, and his shot totals have been elite. Expect more of the same from Matthews for the rest of the season and even more in the future.

To identify more players with great value in your specific league settings, check out Fantasy Hockey Geek to generate custom rankings tailored for you. With the Season Toolkit, you can use our advanced tools to manage to the top and take down the title. Head to the Dobber Sports Shop and pick it up today!