Report: Auston Matthews signs in Switzerland (updated with claim disputed)

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers out there. Unfortunately, this may not be the Mother’s Day gift Silvertips fans were looking for.

Swiss newspaper Blick reported Sunday that Silvertips super prospect Auston Matthews will play in Switzerland next season, signing a contract with Zurich-based ZSC Lions of the professional National League A.

It broke the previous day that the 17-year-old Matthews, the presumptive first-overall pick in the 2016 NHL draft and a third-round pick in the 2012 bantam draft by Everett, was considering playing professionally in Switzerland next season. It had been believed Matthews was deciding between playing for Everett or an NCAA school. However, his incredible season that saw him set a new single-season scoring record for the U.S. NTDP, dominate the U-18 World Championships, then become the first player ever to play for the U.S. men’s team before he was even NHL draft eligible, seems to have caught the eye of the European pro ranks.

If this comes to fruition it’s a trail-blazing move by Matthews. Never before has a North American player decided to play his draft season professionally in Europe.

The potential positives for Matthews would be that he would earn a salary (reportedly around $500,000), something he wouldn’t do in either the WHL or the NCAA. He’d also be playing against adult competition in Switzerland, and he’d be able to play in the AHL as a 19-year-old should his NHL team choose.

The risks include having to adjust to a foreign country at 18 years old while being thrust thrust straight into a 100-percent adult environment. And if he were to struggle at all, there’s the chance it could hurt his draft stock.

But should Matthews go to Switzerland, and should he have success, it could start a trend of elite young players heading overseas.

Unfortunately, Mother’s Day commitments mean I can’t chase this story any further today, but I’m sure there will be much more on this over the next 24 hours.

—- UPDATED 11:15 a.m.

There are a couple North American sources that are now disputing that Matthews has actually signed with ZSC Lions, including NHL.com which quotes Matthews, though they say Switzerland is still an option. So once again, stay tuned.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 8-17

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 8-17. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Silvertips’ playoff picture coming together as season hits final week

Everett is officially the Western Conference’s No. 3 seed and is likely heading into a matchup with Kelowna or Vancouver.

Los Angeles Rams offensive guard Tremayne Anchrum (72) against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Seahawks add to position of need, sign guard Tremayne Anchrum Jr.

The 25-year-old has played in 31 games, starting once, since being drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 2020.

Everett Community College head coach Chet Hovde watches as the women's team practices on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 in Everett, Wa. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
EvCC coach Chet Hovde, who ‘lived for’ basketball, dies at 77

Coach Hovde graduated from Everett High School in 1965. He spent 33 years as the women’s basketball coach at the community college.

Jackson’s Ian Friedrichsen celebrates his goal with his teammates during the game against Bothell on Thursday, May 11, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep boys soccer: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines for this high school boys soccer season

Jackson’s Rachel Sysum is hugged by Leneyah Mitchell after hitting a home run during the game against Bothell on Friday, May 19, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep softball: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines to keep an eye on this high school softball season.

X
Prep roundup for Friday, March 15

Prep roundup for Friday, March 15: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Glacier Peak’s Samantha Christensen runs to home plate to celebrate her home run with her teammates during the game against Snohomish on Friday, March 15, 2024 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
GALLERY: Glacier Peak softball tops rival Snohomish

The Grizzlies prevail 9-5 in a clash of area powers.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

The Washington Wolfpack logo is revealed during the Everett AFL team unveiling at Tony V's Garage in Everett, Washington onThursday, Oct. 26, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Everett’s new arena football team to have 4 televised games

The NFL Network will broadcast 30 AFL games this season, including two Wolfpack home games.

Washington coach Mike Hopkins yells to the team during the second half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against California, Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, in Seattle. California won 82-80. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Looking back at Mike Hopkins’ turbulent tenure as UW men’s basketball coach

The departing Huskies coach had highs early, but the good times didn’t last long.

X
Prep roundup for Saturday, March 16

Prep roundup for Saturday, March 16: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.