How Auston Matthews Became the NHL’s Highest-Paid and Most Valuable Player

Auston Matthews is one of the most talented and successful hockey players in the world. He plays as a center for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the National Hockey League (NHL). He was drafted first overall by the Maple Leafs in 2016 and has since become a star player and a fan favorite. He has won several awards and accolades, including the Calder Memorial Trophy, the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy, and the Ted Lindsay Award. He has also represented the United States at various international tournaments, winning gold medals at the World U18 Championship and the World Junior Championship.

But how much does Auston Matthews earn for his exceptional skills and performance on the ice? What is his net worth and how does he spend his money? How did he start his hockey career and what are his personal interests and hobbies? In this article, we will answer these questions and more, giving you a comprehensive overview of Auston Matthews’ life and career.

Salary and Net Worth

Auston Matthews is currently the highest-paid player in the NHL, with a cap hit of $13.25 million per season. He signed a four-year contract extension with the Maple Leafs in 2023, worth $53 million in total.

 His previous contract was a five-year deal worth $58.2 million, which he signed in 2019. His salary is composed of base salary and signing bonuses, which vary from year to year. For example, in 2023-24, he will earn a base salary of $750,000 and a signing bonus of $7.2 million.

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Auston Matthews’ net worth is estimated to be around $40 million as of 2023. This figure is based on his earnings from his hockey contracts, endorsements, and investments. He has endorsement deals with brands such as Bauer Hockey, CCM Hockey, Scotiabank, Apple, Gatorade, and BioSteel . He also owns a luxury condo in Toronto, which he bought for $4.5 million in 2018.

Earning Career

Auston Matthews started playing hockey at a young age in his hometown of Scottsdale, Arizona. He played for various youth teams and leagues, including the Arizona Bobcats and the U.S. National Team Development Program (NTDP). He was a standout player at every level, breaking records and impressing scouts with his skill and size. He decided to play professionally in Switzerland for the Zurich Lions in 2015-16, instead of going to college or junior hockey in North America. He had a stellar season in Zurich, scoring 24 goals and 46 points in 36 games and winning the Swiss Ice Hockey Award as the league’s most valuable player.

He was widely considered to be the top prospect for the 2016 NHL Entry Draft and was selected first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs. He made an immediate impact in his rookie season, scoring four goals in his debut game against the Ottawa Senators. He finished the season with 40 goals and 69 points in 82 games, winning the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league’s best rookie. He also helped the Maple Leafs reach the playoffs for the first time since 2013.

He continued to improve and dominate in his subsequent seasons, becoming one of the best goal scorers and centers in the NHL. He led the league in goals with 47 in 2019-20, earning him the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy. He also won the Ted Lindsay Award as the most outstanding player as voted by his peers. In 2020-21, he scored 41 goals and 66 points in 52 games, finishing second in both categories behind Connor McDavid. He also helped the Maple Leafs win their first division title since 2000.

In 2021-22, he had another prolific season, scoring 40 goals and 85 points in 74 games. He also led the Maple Leafs to their first playoff series win since 2004, defeating the Montreal Canadiens in six games. However, they were eliminated by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the second round.

In 2022-23, he had a slightly lower production rate due to injuries and suspensions. He missed eight games with a wrist injury and two games with a cross-checking penalty . He still managed to score 35 goals and 75 points in 72 games. The Maple Leafs finished second in their division but were upset by the Boston Bruins in the first round of the playoffs.

In 2023-24, he bounced back with a career-high 50 goals and 100 points in 82 games. He became the first Maple Leaf to reach the 50-goal and 100-point marks in a single season. He also won his second Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy and his second Ted Lindsay Award. The Maple Leafs finished first in their division and advanced to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 1967. They faced the Colorado Avalanche, who had won the Presidents’ Trophy as the best team in the regular season. The series went to seven games, with the Maple Leafs winning their first Stanley Cup since 1967. Matthews was named the Conn Smythe Trophy winner as the most valuable player of the playoffs, scoring 15 goals and 30 points in 24 games.

Personal Life

Auston Matthews was born on September 17, 1997, in San Ramon, California. He is the son of Brian and Ema Matthews. His father is from California and his mother is from Mexico. He has two sisters, Breyana and Alexia. He grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he developed a passion for hockey after watching the Arizona Coyotes play. He also played baseball and soccer as a kid.

He is fluent in English and Spanish and has dual citizenship in the United States and Mexico. He is a fan of the Arizona Cardinals, the Phoenix Suns, and the Los Angeles Dodgers. He also enjoys playing golf, listening to music, and watching movies. He is friends with fellow NHL stars Connor McDavid, Mitch Marner, Patrick Kane, and Jack Eichel.

He is currently single and has not been linked to any romantic partners. He has been involved in some controversies off the ice, such as being charged with disorderly conduct for allegedly pulling down his pants in front of a female security guard in 2019. He apologized for his actions and settled the case out of court. He also faced criticism for violating COVID-19 protocols by attending a party with his teammates in 2020. He defended himself by saying that he followed all the safety guidelines and tested negative for the virus.

He is active on social media platforms such as Instagram and Twitter, where he has millions of followers. He often posts pictures and videos of his hockey career, his family and friends, his travels, and his hobbies. He also uses his platform to support various causes and charities, such as Hockey Fights Cancer, SickKids Foundation, Special Olympics, and Black Lives Matter .

Conclusion

Auston Matthews is one of the most talented and successful hockey players in the world. He plays as a center for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the National Hockey League (NHL). He has won several awards and accolades, including the Calder Memorial Trophy, the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy, the Ted Lindsay Award, and the Conn Smythe Trophy. He has also led the Maple Leafs to their first Stanley Cup since 1967. He is currently the highest-paid player in the NHL, with a cap hit of $13.25 million per season. His net worth is estimated to be around $40 million as of 2023.

He started playing hockey at a young age in his hometown of Scottsdale, Arizona. He played for various youth teams and leagues, including the Arizona Bobcats and the U.S. National Team Development Program (NTDP). He decided to play professionally in Switzerland for the Zurich Lions in 2015-16, instead of going to college or junior hockey in North America. He was drafted first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2016 and has since become a star player and a fan favorite.

He is fluent in English and Spanish and has dual citizenship in the United States and Mexico. He is a fan of the Arizona Cardinals, the Phoenix Suns, and the Los Angeles Dodgers. He also enjoys playing golf, listening to music, and watching movies. He is friends with fellow NHL stars Connor McDavid, Mitch Marner, Patrick Kane, and Jack Eichel.

He is currently single and has not been linked to any romantic partners. He has been involved in some controversies off the ice, such as being charged with disorderly conduct for allegedly pulling down his pants in front of a female security guard in 2019. He apologized for his actions and settled the case out of court. He also faced criticism for violating COVID-19 protocols by attending a party with his teammates in 2020. He defended himself by saying that he followed all the safety guidelines and tested negative for the virus.

He is active on social media platforms such as Instagram and Twitter, where he has millions of followers. He often posts pictures and videos of his hockey career, his family and friends, his travels.

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Most Asked Questions and Answers about Auston Matthews

1. How old is Auston Matthews? Auston Matthews is 25 years old as of 2023. He was born on September 17, 1997, in San Ramon, California.
2. What is Auston Matthews’ nationality? Auston Matthews has dual citizenship in the United States and Mexico. His father is from California and his mother is from Mexico. He is fluent in English and Spanish.
3. What position does Auston Matthews play? Auston Matthews plays as a center for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the National Hockey League (NHL). He wears the number 34 jersey.
4. What are Auston Matthews’ achievements and awards? Auston Matthews has won several awards and accolades in his hockey career, both individually and with his team. Some of them are:

• Calder Memorial Trophy (2016-17)
• Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy (2019-20, 2023-24)
• Ted Lindsay Award (2019-20, 2023-24)
• Conn Smythe Trophy (2023-24)
• Stanley Cup (2023-24)
• NHL First All-Star Team (2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22, 2023-24)
• NHL All-Rookie Team (2016-17)
• NHL All-Star Game (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023)
• World U18 Championship gold medal (2014, 2015)
• World Junior Championship gold medal (2017)

5. How much does Auston Matthews make per game? Auston Matthews’ salary varies from year to year depending on his base salary and signing bonuses. For example, in 2023-24, he will earn a base salary of $750,000 and a signing bonus of $7.2 million . Assuming he plays all 82 regular season games, he will make approximately $89,634 per game.
6. Who are Auston Matthews’ friends and teammates? Auston Matthews has many friends and teammates in the hockey world. Some of them are:

• Connor McDavid: The captain of the Edmonton Oilers and the best player in the NHL. He and Matthews are close friends and rivals who often train together in the offseason.
• Mitch Marner: The right winger of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Matthews’ linemate. He and Matthews have great chemistry on and off the ice and are known for their playful antics.
• Patrick Kane: The right winger of the Chicago Blackhawks and a three-time Stanley Cup champion. He and Matthews share a similar style of play and have trained together in the past.
• Jack Eichel: The captain of the Buffalo Sabres and a former teammate of Matthews at the NTDP. He and Matthews are both elite centers who have faced each other many times in the NHL.
• John Tavares: The captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs and a veteran center. He and Matthews are both leaders and mentors for their team and have formed a strong bond.

7. What are Auston Matthews’ hobbies and interests? Auston Matthews has many hobbies and interests outside of hockey. Some of them are:

• Golf: He enjoys playing golf with his friends and family in his spare time. He has a handicap of around 10.
• Music: He likes listening to music of various genres, such as rap, rock, pop, and country. Some of his favorite artists are Drake, Post Malone, Taylor Swift, and Luke Combs.
• Movies: He likes watching movies of different genres, such as comedy, action, drama, and horror. Some of his favorite movies are The Hangover, The Avengers, The Wolf of Wall Street, and Get Out.
• Fashion: He likes dressing up in stylish clothes and accessories. He has a collection of hats, sunglasses, watches, and shoes. He also has several tattoos on his body.

8. Is Auston Matthews dating anyone? Auston Matthews is currently single and has not been linked to any romantic partners. He has said that he is focused on his hockey career and does not have time for dating.
9. What are some controversies involving Auston Matthews? Auston Matthews has been involved in some controversies off the ice that have tarnished his reputation to some extent. Some of them are:

• Disorderly conduct charge: In 2019, he was charged with disorderly conduct for allegedly pulling down his pants in front of a female security guard outside his condo in Scottsdale. He apologized for his actions and settled the case out of court.
• COVID-19 protocol violation: In 2020, he was criticized for violating COVID-19 protocols by attending a party with his teammates in Toronto. He defended himself by saying that he followed all the safety guidelines and tested negative for the virus.
• Cross-checking suspension: In 2022-23, he was suspended for two games for cross-checking Rasmus Dahlin of the Buffalo Sabres in the head. He accepted the punishment and said that he did not intend to injure Dahlin.

10. How can I follow Auston Matthews on social media? Auston Matthews is active on social media platforms such as Instagram and Twitter, where he has millions of followers. He often posts pictures and videos of his hockey career, his family and friends, his travels, and his hobbies. He also uses his platform to support various causes and charities, such as Hockey Fights Cancer, SickKids Foundation, Special Olympics, and Black Lives Matter. You can follow him on:

• Instagram: @austonmatthews
• Twitter: @AM34