Matthews buzz knows no borders
Second star in first week makes quick impact in U.S. with crossover appeal, no less
Maple Leafs defenceman Connor Carrick would always laugh when he watched a movie with his Canadian teammates and they’d point out: That actor’s Canadian.
Then the Chicago native realized he did the same thing while watching hockey: That guy’s American.
And now today’s aspiring hockey players south of the border have someone to point to — Auston Matthews, whose sensational start to his NHL career has already moved the needle of interest in hockey in the United States.
“It’s huge,” Carrick said. “Kids want to see people like themselves. Kids will grow up and say ‘Auston Matthews is from Arizona,’ and that’s inspiring. You want to see some part of yourself in the NHL. When that kid has a story like yours, it motivates you.”
Matthews is not just another rookie. He’s a news story. ESPN is covering him. NBC’s Today show talks about him.
When visiting media come to the Maple Leafs’ dressing room, it’s Matthews they want to talk to with massive scrums forcing seatmates Matt Martin and James van Riemsdyk to skedaddle. It’s already comparable to what the Penguins have experienced with Sidney Crosby over the past decade. When Crosby started in 2005, demand for interviews was so high the team assigned him his own PR handler. To this day, Crosby quite often gives two scrums a day: one for broadcasters, one for newspapers.
NBC Sports Network even changed its programming to carry Saturday’s game against Boston after Matthews scored four in the opener against Ottawa. The network rarely carries Canadian games, but Matthews seems to be going down the path of a crossover star despite where he plays.
“He can absolutely be a star here in the U.S.,” NBC Sports executive producer Sam Flood told the Star. “A record four goals in his NHL debut and the chance to showcase his home debut was too good to pass up.”
This is not to compare Matthews to Crosby as far as talent, or even impact. Crosby’s arrival was perfect timing for the NHL, which got the hero it needed after the lockout that erased the 2004-05 season. Crosby’s name will eventually be remembered alongside the game’s greats.
But Matthews — and, of course, Connor McDavid — certainly seem poised to be the stars of the next generation and have started this season strongly: McDavid was named the NHL’s first star, with Matthews second star for the opening week.
Matthews could well become the most prominent American player in the league, although Patrick Kane’s grip on that title isn’t loosening any time soon and Johnny Gaudreau might have something to say about that going forward.
The hype could also die down — and it’s probably in the Leafs’ best interests if it does. For now, it’s a reality Matthews must deal with and he seems to be doing fine.
The Star asked seven active players who were also drafted first overall about their first year and if they had any advice for Matthews. Here’s what they had to say:
CONNOR MCDAVID (2015, OILERS)
“There was a bunch of pressure. He might have it worse here in Toronto than I did in Edmonton. He’s going to go through a lot, but he’s obviously ready for it. He’s a good player. He’s got a good head on his shoulders. He’ll figure it out.”
AARON EKBLAD (2014, PANTHERS)
“It wasn’t easy at the start, but we had great veteran guys that were really nice to me and made me feel at home. Obviously in a hockey dressing room it’s pretty easy to get to know guys, as long as you get mentored by some of the older guys. I can’t say enough about how important it was to be around those guys.”
JOHN TAVARES (2009, ISLANDERS)
“There is expectation and pressure every year. I just look at it as an opportunity. This is what I dreamed about playing in. These are the opportunities you want. You want to make the most of them. You want to give it everything you have, so you can look yourself in the mirror and have no regrets. I think that’s what matters most.”
STEVEN STAMKOS (2008, LIGHTNING)
“I was in Tampa, a smaller market. You could hide under the radar a little bit . . . Have fun. At the end of the day, you’re playing in the best hockey league in the world as a teenager. It’s pretty awesome. It’s pretty special. It’s a privilege. There are times you lose sight of that a little bit. But if you can take a step back, realize that . . . things will take care of itself.”
SIDNEY CROSBY (2005, PENGUINS)
“You’re young. You don’t really know what to expect. I think we started 0-9. We were supposed to be a Stanley Cup favourite. A lot of learning experience there pretty early. If anything you have to enjoy it. It’s going to go by quick. There are expectations, but the ones that he put on himself are what got him here and are the ones he needs to worry about.”
ALEX OVECHKIN (2004, CAPITALS)
“To be honest, I didn’t think about the pressure. I just want to play hockey. I wanted to be here and play in North America. I was in Washington. It’s not that big a market. I don’t have that kind of pressure. I think he’s going to have it all the time. Just stay away from trouble, be yourself, play as hard as you can. That’s all that matters.”