When the Toronto Maple Leafs selected Auston Matthews with the No. 1 pick of the 2016 draft, the center -- widely considered the best American prospect in a decade -- instantly became the presumed savior of the Original Six team, which is looking to end its 49-year Stanley Cup drought.Those are weighty expectations for anyone, never mind an 18-year-old. But Matthews has never shied away from defying expectations. Born in Northern California and raised in Scottsdale, Arizona, he blazed a non-traditional path to the league and starred for the U.S. national under-18 team. Then, rather than play college hockey or in the?Canadian junior leagues, he signed a one-year contract to play in the Swiss?National League A?for the?ZSC Lions and test himself against professional players.Matthews, who has also been named to Team North Americas roster for the upcoming World Cup of Hockey, understands well the expectations hell face as the franchise center of the future for the Leafs. Hes an otherworldly talent, to be sure. Hes also a pretty interesting guy off the ice. Here, in his own words -- and impeccable handwriting -- Matthews dishes to ESPN.coms Craig Custance about his secret fear, favorite athlete, celebrity crush and more.If I could change one thing about hockey it would be ...The actor Id want to play me in a movie is ...Id do anything to avoid ...The best advice I ever received was ...If could go to dinner with one person, dead or alive, it would be ...My dream job (if I wasnt an athlete) would be ...My favorite athlete growing up was ...My favorite sports memory is ...My favorite sports movie is ...My celebrity crush is ...My last meal on earth would be ...The last thing I read was ...I never leave the house without ...If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be ...My secret talent is ... My biggest regret is ... Michael Cooper Jersey . But when it comes to determining if Raymond will find a place on the Leafs roster when training camp concludes in a week, well, that decision will ultimately fall to the head coach. Rajon Rondo Jersey . -- The Portland Timbers and Real Salt Lake played to a 0-0 tie Saturday night that left the top of the Western Conference standings unchanged. http://www.lakersbasketballshop.com/Kareem-Abdul-Jabbar-Jersey/ . The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling "puts an end to my dreams of being a top player," the 27-year-old Troicki said in a statement. "I worked my entire life for it, and it has been taken away from me in one afternoon by a doctor I didnt know," said Troicki, whose ranking peaked at No. Wilt Chamberlain Jersey . Hey!" The lower tier of the School End of Queens Park Rangers Loftus Road was packed solid with a very festive-sounding Chelsea choral section in this particular part of South Africa Road London, W12. Dennis Rodman Jersey . -- New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Reis is retiring after a 16-year career to become the goalie coach for the Los Angeles Galaxy. A look at whats happening all around the majors Friday:---CHOOCHS NEW CHALLENGECarlos Ruiz is set to make his debut for the Dodgers, a day after them got him in a trade of popular backup catchers that sent A.J. Ellis to Philadelphia. Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts said Ruiz would start the series opener against the Cubs in a matchup of division leaders.KNOCK, KNOCKKnuckleballer Steven Wright (13-5, 3.01 ERA) returns to the Red Sox, coming off the 15-day disabled list to start against Kansas City at Fenway Park. He had been out because of a strained right shoulder.ROOKIE RUNYankees newcomer Gary Sanchez has homered seven times in nine games going into a matchup vs. visiting Baltimore. The 23-year-old catcher is piling up praise at an impressive rate, too. After the Mariners twice intentionally walked Sanchez in a game this week to face Mark Teixeira, the veteran sluggger said he agreed with the moves, adding, if Babe Ruths hitting behind him, you walk him, Teixeira said.dddddddddddd Hes as hot as any player Ive ever played with in my entire career.NOT SHORT-HANDEDTigers shortstop Jose Iglesias is expected to return from the disabled list after being sidelined because of a strained left hamstring and take on the Angels. Detroit manager Brad Ausmus says recently acquired Erick Aybar will still play shortstop at times, too.REMEMBER ME?After trying to help the wild card-contending Marlins this year, Jarred Cosart aims to beat them. The right-hander was traded from Miami to San Diego last month, and is 0-1 with 4.54 ERA in eight starts overall. Hell pitch the series opener when the Padres visit Marlins Park. ' ' '