On Saturday a report in The Hockey News had 2016 NHL Draft prospect Auston Matthews considering offers to play in Europe next season.
According to swisshockeynews.ch, Matthews has signed with the ZSC Lions.
The Everett Silvertips own Matthews’ Western Hockey League rights and several NCAA schools have been pursuing the 17-year-old.
Sportsnet’s Damien Cox reports Matthews could earn in the neighborhood of $500,000 playing in Europe. The Scottsdale, Arizona native would still be eligible to play for the U.S. at the World Junior Hockey Championship and potentially next year’s World Hockey Championship.
Matthews appeared in 24 games with the U.S. National Under-18 Team this season scoring 20 goals and 48 points.
Former NHL head coach Marc Crawford is currently the coach of Zurich and the roster features former NHLers Henrik Tallinder, Ryan Keller, Marc-Andre Bergeron, Dan Fritsche, Robert Nilsson and Ryan Shannon.