Has Auston Matthews signed in Switzerland? Yes, yes he has

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The projected number one pick in the 2016 NHL draft has apparently signed with the ZSC Lions of the Swiss league (coached by Marc Crawford).

US-Supertalent zu den Lions: ZSC verpflichtet Auston Matthews (17) | Blick

/It should be added that Blick is not a bastion of journalistic integrity.

 

[mattola]

Is this a loophole to avoid the draft and get signed as a free agent

 

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Is this a loophole to avoid the Oilers and get signed as a free agent by another NHL team?

You could be onto something, Matty.

 

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Damien Cox (okay, don't shoot the messenger) is tweeting that Matthews could earn up to 500 grand next season. Sure beats travelling all over Western Canada/US on the iron lung for peanuts.

/Everett has his WHL rights.

 

[tducey]

Interesting, wondering if this would affect his draft status.

 

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Darren Dreger @DarrenDreger
Pat Brisson, Auston Matthews family advisor says playing in Switzerland is an option, but no decision has been made. Decision this week.

 

[DragonfromTO]

Interesting, wondering if this would affect his draft status.

Does not affect his draft status. Plenty of prospects have signed and played with pro teams and earned pro salaries (both in Europe and North America) prior to being draft eligible.

 

[ritari330]

I find this interesting. You could argue that scoring 2 points a game in the CHL doesn't do as much for development in terms of level of play. Playing in a professional league will offer a different challenge for someone who just missed the cutoff for this years' draft by a few days.

 

[DragonfromTO]

I find this interesting. You could argue that scoring 2 points a game in the CHL doesn't do as much for development in terms of level of play. Playing in a professional league will offer a different challenge for someone who just missed the cutoff for this years' draft by a few days.

Also means that he remains eligible to be sent down to the AHL if he's having some trouble and the NHL team that drafts him decides he needs it.

 

[forty_three]

When you are projected to go number one overall and look at the record Edmonton has winning the lottery...

Yeah, I'd be going overseas too.

 

[Bloody Brian Burke]

It's very good that he gets some pro experience before being drafted by Toronto.

 

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Sounds like work visa issues might put the kibosh on Auston's Swiss adventure. Everett Silvertips are licking their chops, though.

Report: Visa issue may prevent top prospect Auston Matthews from playing in Switzerland | The Hockey News

 

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John Shannon @JSportsnet
Hearing that Auston Matthews is going to ZSC Lions in Zurich for the season.
He will arrive there next Monday. Announcement later today.

 

[pixburgher66]

Yes.

And a good choice, IMO. I imagine we'll see others consider this too.

 

[KennyBanyeah]

Risky move, IMO.

IF he completely tanks playing in a pretty damn good league does he drop dramatically in draft rankings?

Is he more prone to getting seriously hurt playing against grown men?

Does moving, and adjusting, to the bigger ice surface slow his development?

Time will tell I guess.

The kid must have confidence if he thinks he's going to go over there and put up points.

 

[dash]

On the plus side, play fewer games, a lot less travel, and Swiss misses everywhere you turn.

 

[KennyBanyeah]

 

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Sick Bern, Kenny.

 

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Now official:

swisshockeynews.ch @SwissHockeyNews
BREAKING | The @zsclions officially announce that Auston Matthews is going to join the team for the upcoming season. #ZSC #NLA #NHL