When the Toronto Maple Leafs selected Auston Matthews with the No. 1 pick of the 2016 draft, the center -- widely considered the best American prospect in a decade -- instantly became the presumed savior of the Original Six team, which is looking to end its 49-year Stanley Cup drought.
Those are weighty expectations for anyone, never mind an 18-year-old. But Matthews has never shied away from defying expectations. Born in Northern California and raised in Scottsdale, Arizona, he blazed a non-traditional path to the league and starred for the U.S. national under-18 team. Then, rather than play college hockey or in the Canadian junior leagues, he signed a one-year contract to play in the Swiss National League A for the ZSC Lions and test himself against professional players.
Matthews, who has also been named to Team North America's roster for the upcoming World Cup of Hockey, understands well the expectations he'll face as the franchise center of the future for the Leafs. He's an otherworldly talent, to be sure. He's also a pretty interesting guy off the ice. Here, in his own words -- and impeccable handwriting -- Matthews dishes to ESPN.com's Craig Custance about his secret fear, favorite athlete, celebrity crush and more.
If I could change one thing about hockey it would be ...
The actor I'd want to play me in a movie is ...
I'd do anything to avoid ...
The best advice I ever received was ...
If could go to dinner with one person, dead or alive, it would be ...
My dream job (if I wasn't an athlete) would be ...
My favorite athlete growing up was ...
My favorite sports memory is ...
My favorite sports movie is ...
My celebrity crush is ...
My last meal on earth would be ...
The last thing I read was ...
I never leave the house without ...
If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be ...
My secret talent is ...
My biggest regret is ...
