USAToday Sports Images

MAPLE LEAFS’ MATTHEWS NAMED NHL ROOKIE OF THE MONTH FOR DECEMBER.

Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews, who led all rookies with 8-4—12 in 12 games, has been named the NHL’s Rookie of the Month for December. Matthews edged Winnipeg Jets right wing Patrik Laine (6-6—12 in 14 GP), Calgary Flames left wing Matthew Tkachuk (1-11—12 in 13 GP), Carolina Hurricanes right wing Sebastian Aho (4-5—9 in 14 GP) and Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Matt Murray (6-1-1, 2.34 GAA, .926 SV%, 1 SO) for the honor.

Matthews, who also paced all rookies with eight goals, registered at least one point in nine of his 12 December appearances, highlighted by a five-game point streak to close the month (4-3—7). He also recorded three multi-point performances, two power play goals and one game-winning goal (Dec. 22 at COL).

The No. 1 overall selection in the 2016 NHL Draft, Matthews leads all rookies in goals (20), points (32), game-winning goals (t-3) and shots on goal (133) in 36 games this season. The 19-year-old Scottsdale, Ariz., native joins teammate William Nylander (October) and Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (November) as Rookie of the Month winners in 2016-17.

Auston Matthews in December

Date Opponent G A PTS Result

Dec. 3 at Vancouver 1 0 1 3-2 SO L

Dec. 7 MINNESOTA 0 0 0 3-2 L

Dec. 10 at Boston 1 0 1 4-1 W

Dec. 11 COLORADO 0 0 0 3-1 L

Dec. 13 SAN JOSE 1 1 2 3-2 SO L

Dec. 15 ARIZONA 1 0 1 3-2 SO L

Dec. 17 PITTSBURGH 0 0 0 2-1 OT W

Dec. 19 ANAHEIM 1 0 1 3-2 L

Dec. 22 at Colorado 1 0 1 6-0 W

Dec. 23 at Arizona 0 1 1 4-1 W

Dec. 28 at Florida 1 1 2 3-2 SO W

Dec. 29 at Tampa Bay 1 1 2 3-2 OT W

Totals 8 4 12 6-3-3

* Information provided via NHL Press Release