Add another record to Auston Matthews’ young career.
The Toronto Maple Leafs’ first-year centre scored his 35th goal of the season Tuesday night, breaking Wendel Clark’s franchise record for rookies.
Matthews’ record-breaker came at 11:54 of the first period when he slid a Zach Hyman pass under Florida Panthers goaltender James Reimer.
Matthews entered the night tied with Winnipeg Jets winger Patrik Laine for the rookie lead in both goals and points, and is a favourite to become the first Leaf since Brit Selby in 1966 to capture the Calder Trophy as the league’s top rookie.
The 19-year-old is just four points from equalling Peter Ihnacak’s franchise rookie mark for points, set back in the 1982-83 season.
Matthews was the No. 1 pick in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, the first for the franchise since Clark was selected No. 1 in 1985.
Matthews’ NHL career began with a record night when on opening night against the Ottawa Senators he became the first player in league history to score four goals in his debut.
