Auston Matthews: Pioneer, capitalist, renegade? Not yet.
The No.1-rated prospect in the 2016 Draft could forge a revolutionary path to the NHL and potentially earn a salary while honing his craft in Europe, but as of now, his playing future remains uncertain.
He was believed to have signed with the Swiss top division's ZSC Lions, per a report out of the country, but multiple NHL sources have since indicated that the destination is merely a viable option.
He'll spurn the Western Hockey League's Everett Silvertips should he indeed jump at the opportunity, while foregoing a chance to join a high-profile NCAA program.
The Scottsdale, Az. native (the unconventional started quite early) can earn upwards of $500,000 in Switzerland, per Sportnet's Damien Cox, and can still represent the United States at the World Junior Hockey Championships.
Matthews, 17, scored 20 goals and 48 points in 24 games with the U.S. National Under-18 Team this season.
The ZSC Lions are coached by former NHL bench boss Marc Crawford and were the top team in Switzerland last season, but lost to HC Davos in the NLA Championship final.
