Leafs already getting very good signs when it comes to Auston Matthews.

The Toronto Maple Leafs not only had the good fortune of getting the first overall pick in the National Hockey League draft, but they also have the added benefit of starting off his training camp with a trip to the World Cup of Hockey, and it sounds like the latter is already paying off big time.

Matthews got to hit the ice on Thursday evening when Team North America, the under 23 squad that Matthews will be playing for in this tournament, took on Team Europe in an exhibition match. For Matthews it was a terrific experience, one that he says is already a good sign for him.

"It was great," said Matthews as per Postmedia's Michael Traikos. Those are some of the top NHL players in the league. To be able to go out there and compete was a good sign"

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This isn't your typical NHL squad he's against either, Matthews will be lining up against the very best players on Earth in this tournament, and if things continue to trend in this direction, he will be arriving to camp brimming with confidence.