Auston Matthews: Older competition, Marc Crawford factored into Zurich decision

Two factors convinced highly touted prospect Auston Matthews to play his draft year in Switzerland.

"Playing against older competition is a big pro for me and just having to make quicker plays and go against men basically, I think that's one of the decisions that played into it," Matthews told Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic.

The projected 2016 first-overall pick said playing for Marc Crawford was the other reason.

"He knows what he's doing, and I think he's going to do a great job and help me get to that level."

Matthews signed with the Zurich Schlittschuh Lions of Switzerland's National League A earlier this month.

Crawford coached 15 seasons in the NHL with the Colorado Avalanche, Vancouver Canucks, Los Angeles Kings, and Dallas Stars, winning a Stanley Cup with Colorado in 1996. He joined Zurich in 2012.

Matthews downplayed the hype he has already begun to receive as the top prospect in next year's draft.

"It's really something I can't control what other people say, so it's my job just to keep my world small and just continue to make improvements and I think the rest will take care of itself."