Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews. Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

Auston Matthews favorite to win Rocket Richard Trophy ahead of season debut

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 10/18/21

Auston Matthews hasn't made his season debut yet, but he's still expected to score more goals than everyone else.

Despite missing the Toronto Maple Leafs' first three games of the 2021-22 campaign, the 24-year-old center is still a heavy favorite to win this year's Rocket Richard Trophy, awarded to the player who scores the most goals during the regular season.

Auston Matthews opened as the favourite to win the Rocket Richard Trophy at +300. Despite missing Toronto's first three games, Matthews remains the favourite to lead the NHL in goals scored. Here is a look at the updated odds. #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/j9rQK7Pw1B
— TSN EDGE (@TSN_Edge) October 18, 2021

Matthews has been sidelined since having surgery in August to correct a wrist issue. He is slated to make his season debut Monday night against the visiting New York Rangers.

Auston Matthews during practice on Sunday. I'd say the wrist looks good to go. #Leafs pic.twitter.com/sSZcpizzTf
— Rob Leth (@RobLeth) October 18, 2021

It's understandable that Matthews is a favorite to win the goal-scoring honors given his track record. The first-overall pick from the 2016 NHL Draft won the Richard Trophy in 2021, scoring eight more goals than 2015 first-overall pick and goal-scoring machine Connor McDavid.

Matthews also has a knack for setting his seasons off on the right foot. He notoriously scored four goals in his NHL debut, becoming the only rookie in the modern era to do so. Matthews went on to score 40 goals that season and win the Calder Trophy awarded to the NHL's rookie of the year.

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