Report: Auston Matthews signs in Swiss league

Damien Cox and Elliotte Friedman recap all the top news from around the NHL including an update on Detroit Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock.

It appears Auston Matthews has made up his mind.

Matthews, a potential first-overall selection in the 2016 NHL Draft, has reportedly signed with the Zurcher Schlittschuh Club (ZSC) Lions in the Swiss National League A on Sunday.

Sportsnet’s Damien Cox reported on Saturday night that Matthews, 17, had been contacted by several Swiss clubs.

Pat Brisson, Matthews advisor, recently told The Hockey News that the situation would be resolved shortly.

The ZSC Lions are coached by Marc Crawford and Rob Cookson, two Canadians with long resumes of player development at both the NHL and international levels.

As Cox mentioned yesterday, Matthews could receive some enticing financial compensation for the move overseas.

The Western Hockey League’s Everett Silvertips hold Matthews’ junior hockey rights, while he is also being pursued by a variety of NCAA schools.

At the world under-18 tournament earlier this year, Matthews helped the United States win gold. He also scored a goal for the U.S. national team in an exhibition game against Austria in a pre-tournament exhibition game on April 28.

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