Leafs' Auston Matthews named NHL rookie of the month for December

With two goals, including the overtime winner, Auston Matthews was the hero for the Leafs in the Centennial Classic on January 1. But it was his work in the month of December that has garnered league-wide honours on Tuesday.

The Leafs’ super rookie has been named the rookie of the month for December, after leading all rookies with 12 points (8-4-12) in 12 games. Matthews leads all rookies in goals (20) and points (32) this season.

The first overall pick from last June’s NHL Draft beat out Patrik Laine (12 points in 14 games), Matthew Tkachuk (12 points in 13 games), Sebastian Aho (9 points in 14 games), and Matt Murray (6-1-1, 2.34 GAA, .926 SV%) for the honour.

Matthews is the second Maple Leafs rookie to win the monthly award, as William Nylander was the top rookie in October.

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