Report: Mike Babcock comments on the performances of Auston Matthews!

From the moment he took the ice in a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey, there was no doubt that Auston Matthews would be star in the NHL. In his Leafs debut, the 19-year-old tallied four goals against the Ottawa Senators and made it look easy in doing so. He’d go on to score 40 more in his first season and claim the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie.

Even though Leafs coach Mike Babcock acknowledged Matthews was one of a kind, he believes he can become even better in the future. Here is what he said to NHL.com's Adam Kimelman:

"He's a competitive guy and he expects to take a step this year and we do as well. I don't measure guys by points, I measure guys by how they play and how they compete every day and how much better they get in their determination. We're excited to see what he can do. He feels he's a real good player and wants to be one of the best players in the game."

While he has high expectations, Babcock believes Matthews and the other young guys still have to prove themselves next year:

"Obviously we have good young players. We have a lot of them. It's kind of a group that's growing up together. But it's one year and one year doesn't make a career. You have to do it again and again and again. We're excited about our opportunities."

Matthews recorded 40 goals and 29 assists for 69 points in 82 games last season. He added four goals and one assists in six playoffs games.