Auston Matthews: A Decade of Dominance in the NHL
Auston Matthews stands as a towering figure in international hockey and the National Hockey League. He currently captains the Toronto Maple Leafs, a role he has grown into since starting his professional journey ten years ago in 2016.
A Stellar Start and Record-Breaking Career
The Maple Leafs selected Matthews first overall in the 2016 NHL Draft. Experts widely considered him the top prospect that year. He immediately proved them right by scoring 40 goals in his debut season. This achievement set a rookie record for the Maple Leafs. It also made him only the second player since the 2004–05 lockout to hit that milestone.
His career has been marked by consistent excellence. On March 2, 2025, Matthews scored his 390th NHL goal during a thrilling 6-5 overtime victory against the Pittsburgh Penguins. This goal moved him past Darryl Sittler's 389 goals for second place in Maple Leafs history. Only Mats Sundin, with 420 goals, remains ahead of him.
In that same game, an assist on William Nylander's overtime goal earned Matthews the 700th point of his NHL career. He continued his ascent by scoring his 400th goal on April 15 in a 4-0 win against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center. This milestone made him the 110th player in NHL history to reach 400 goals.
Accolades and Recognition
Matthews' trophy case reflects his impact on the ice. He has won the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy as the league's top goal scorer. His peers honored him with the Ted Lindsay Award. The league also recognized his overall value by awarding him the Hart Memorial Trophy as the Most Valuable Player.
His progress stems from a powerful combination of raw skill, fierce determination, and unwavering dedication. He remains an unstoppable force on the rink.
Financial Growth and Net Worth
When Auston Matthews entered the NHL in 2016, his net worth was modest. It primarily came from initial signing bonuses and his first contract. Today, his financial standing has transformed dramatically.
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Matthews now boasts an estimated net worth of around $30 million. His salary structure for the 2025–26 season, as reported by Spotrac, includes a base salary of $775,000. This is complemented by a substantial $14 million signing bonus.
Contract Evolution Over the Years
Matthews' contracts trace his rising value to the team. PuckPedia details his initial deal signed on July 21, 2016. It was a 3-year contract worth $2.75 million with the Toronto Maple Leafs, featuring a cap hit of $925,000. This contract expired after the 2018-19 season.
He later secured a much larger 4-year, $53 million contract with the Maple Leafs. This deal included a $49 million signing bonus and carried an average annual salary of $13.25 million. For the 2025-26 season, his compensation breaks down to a $775,000 base salary paired with a $14.425 million signing bonus.
Endorsements and Business Ventures
Brand deals and endorsements significantly contribute to Matthews' overall wealth. He has established partnerships with major companies including Fanatics, Nike, RBC, Uber, and Upper Deck. Forbes Magazine estimates his annual earnings from these endorsements reach approximately $5 million.
Beyond endorsements, Matthews is an active investor. His investment interests focus on the consumer, media, and entertainment sectors. He has backed companies based in both Sweden and the United States.
On March 3, 2023, he participated in a seed funding round for Marsblade, which raised $1 million. Co-investor Geltis also joined this round. Earlier, on June 30, 2021, Matthews invested in Buzzer as part of its Series A funding round. These moves showcase his strategic approach to building wealth off the ice.
