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Report: Work permit issues could keep Auston Matthews in North America next season

2015 IIHF World Junior Championship - Quarterfinal - United States v Russia

2015 IIHF World Junior Championship - Quarterfinal - United States v Russia

Getty Images

Auston Matthews, the top rated prospect for the 2016 NHL Draft, is likely staying in North America for the 2015-16 season.

According to Pete Judge of ISS, Matthews likely won’t be able to play in Switzerland due to work permit issues. Judge reported on Twitter Sunday that the 17-year-old is having troubles getting a visa because he’s never played professionally before.

Matthews was looking to sign in Europe with ZSC in Switzerland. ZSC is currently coached my former NHLer Marc Crawford.

The Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League own Matthews’ CHL rights. His agent Pat Brisson has hinted in the past that if Europe doesn’t work, his client would likely head to the WHL.

Matthews appeared in 24 games with the U.S. National Under-18 Team during the 2014-15 season scoring 20 goals and 48 points.

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