Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews: Won't play in Worlds

Matthews will rest up following a long season and sit out the 2017 IIHF World Championship, David Alter of The Athletic reports.

Analysis:

For most rookies, an 82-game grind will take its toll -- they're used to much shorter seasons. Add in a six-game playoff run that included five overtime contests, and it makes sense that Matthews is opting to sit out Worlds. The 19-year-old should be the heavy favorite to get the Calder Trophy following a 40-goal, 29-assist campaign in which he helped the Leafs reach the playoffs for the first time in four years. Although no announcement has come out yet, one would imagine the center will be named Toronto's captain prior to the start of the 2017-18 season.