BUFFALO --Center Auston Matthews was taken by the Toronto Maple Leafs to start the 2016 NHL Draft at First Niagara Center on Friday, but there was a distinct Finnish flavor to the rest of the top five.
Matthews, a native of Scottsdale, Ariz., is the first United States-born player to be picked No. 1 since Patrick Kane in 2007 by the Chicago Blackhawks.
"A dream come true today," Matthews said. "It's a great organization. … Just got drafted into the NHL. One of the best days of my life."
Record first round for U.S. after run on Finns
Three players from Finland go in top five of NHL Draft; 12 Americans selected
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