It's been rumoured for some time, but on Friday it was finally confirmed: top American prospect Auston Matthews will play for ZSC Lions Zurich in the 2015-16 season. He might be seen in the CHL if the Lions advance to the playoff stage.

CHL News

For months it's been rumoured that highly touted American prospect Auston Matthews might play this upcoming season in Switzerland. Now it's a reality – the ZSC Lions Zurich announced on Friday that the 17-year-old centre has signed a contract to play for them this upcoming season.

The Arizona product has played the past two seasons in the U.S. National Team Development Program and won back-to-back gold medals at the IIHF U18 World Championships. He was the leading scorer at this year's tournament in Switzerland with 15 points (8 + 7) in seven games, and was named Top Forward and MVP of the tournament. He also played for Team USA at the World Junior Championships this past winter, where he had a goal and two assists in five games.

Matthews is currently the top-ranked prospect for the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.

Due to the fact that he won't be eligible to work in Switzerland until he turns 18 on 18 September, Matthews will miss the CHL group stage. However, if the Lions finish first or second in Group P, Matthews could be eligible to play when the playoff stage begins on 22 September.