Mats Sundin pays Auston Matthews an incredible compliment

Big bodied, game changing centers don't grow on trees and that's why it meant so much that the Maple Leafs were lucky enough to win the draft lottery, and the rights to select Auston Matthews. Since joining the Maple Leafs, all Matthews has done is excel in every facet of the game. He's developed into a generational two-way talent and he's already lined the Maple Leafs' Record Books with his name.

Maple Leafs' Legend, Mats Sundin, had an opportunity to speak about Matthews abilities when he sat down with Mike Zeisberger of NHL.com, after the 24-year-old, Matthews joined the Maple Leafs' 50 Goal Club:

The records Sundin speaks of include two of his own. Sundin currently holds franchise records for most goals scored (420) and points (987). Sundin accomplished this over a 981 game career with the Maple Leafs.

When asked about his own records, Sundin went on to add the following:

Sundin's high praise for Matthews was also issued by other Maple Leafs' greats like Doug Gilmour, Darryl Sittler and even Rick Vaive.

Matthews enters play tonight trailing Vaive by 4 goals for the franchise record for goals in a single season (54). But with 15 games remaining the real question becomes, does Matthews have what it takes to become the first player to score 60 goals since Steven Stamkos?