From the moment he stepped on NHL ice for the first time, it was apparent that Auston Matthews was destined to become an NHL superstar. Since his 4-goal NHL debut, Matthews has continued to turn heads and garner respect from everyone who plays with or against him.
Steven Stamkos is arguably the third best active goal scorer in the NHL behind only Ovechkin and Matthews. Until this week, Stamkos was the last player to score 60 goals in a single season. What's funny is that Stamkos was asked back in 2020 if he'd be the last 60-goal scorer in the NHL. His response made it clear that, even back in 2020, he had respect for a 22-year-old Auston Matthews.
Now 24, Matthews has his first 60-goal season under his belt. I say first, because as tough as it is to score 60 in the NHL, I have this crazy feeling like we're going to see Matthews reach or exceed that total again.