Best hockey player from each state

Jan 26, 2014; New York City, NY, USA; NHL former player Jeremy Roenick skates with youngsters on a miniature rink before the Stadium Series hockey game between the New Jersey Devils and the New York Rangers at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports /

Arizona – Auston Matthews

Technically, Auston Matthews was not born in Arizona. He was born in California, but his family moved to Arizona when he was an infant. So he counts for the state of Arizona. Matthews, the number one pick of the 2016 NHL Draft, is in the fast lane to hockey stardom.

He has already etched his name in history, scoring a record four goals in his NHL debut. Unfortunately, it was in a losing effort. Matthews, born and raised in Arizona, represents a recent movement in the desert state. He is proof that the NHL’s decision to move the old Winnipeg Jets to the southwest was the right decision. Hockey is expanding in Arizona and Matthews is a huge reason for it.

Before joining the Maple Leafs, he set records with the United States Developmental Team. Matthews draws a lot of comparisons to fellow American Patrick Kane because of his precise skill game.

Honorable Mention: Sean Couturier is the first NHL player from Arizona, or at least the first major one. So far, his career has been defined by injuries, but when he’s been healthy, he’s been very good. Couturier has 165 points in 369 career regular season games. He played for Team North America in the World Cup with Matthews.

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