Auston Matthews has a chance to break Mats Sundin franchise record

Mats Sundin's franchise goal record of 420 looked untouchable for a very long time, but when Auston Matthews was drafted, many knew that Sundin's iconic record was in jeopardy.

Matthews tallied 4 goals in his first career NHL game, and has since put up 368 goals in just 562 career games, astonishing numbers for a generational goal scorer, one that could potentially challenge the all time NHL goal record one day.

Matthews was expected by many to take the goal record from Sundin, but I don't think many expected it to come before even playing in 700 NHL games. With 4 years remaining on his current contract with the Leafs, there is potential for Matthews to shatter many other Leafs records as well.

Needing 52 goals to tie Sundin, it is definitely possible for the former 69 goal scorer to break the record next season. The only obstacle in Matthews way could be injury trouble as Matthews has missed significant time in the past due to several different injuries.

Discussions have been had the past few seasons on if Matthews is already the greatest Leaf of all time, and while it's definitely too soon to give him that honour, you could make the argument that he is up there with all the Leafs greats considering he's broken several franchise records already in his career.

Source: Maple Leafs Daily
Auston Matthews within striking distance of breaking an iconic Maple Leafs franchise record this season