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Indeed, this is just the beginning for Matthews. In a few weeks, the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft will be making his NHL debut with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Based on what we’ve seen from him at the World Cup, challenging for the Calder Trophy as a rookie should not be out of the question.

“I guess playing here helps, because you kind of get that head start,” said Matthews. “Going into training camp, being able to play at this high of a level, it’s kind of a taste of best-on-best hockey. So it gives you an edge going into the season.”

In a one-on-one interview with Postmedia News, Matthews spoke about his on-ice rivalry with Patrik Laine, how Zurich prepared him for the media circus that is Toronto and why he wants to win the Calder Trophy.

On Patrik Laine rivalry: “Blown out of proportion”

North America kicks off the tournament against Finland on Sunday. For Matthews, it’s yet another chapter in his ongoing rivalry with Laine, Winnipeg’s No. 2 overall pick. If there is anything Matthews has learned from playing on a team with McDavid and Eichel, who were the top-two picks in last year’s draft, the comparisons are likely here to stay.

“I think you just accept it,” said Matthews. “Talking to Jack or Connor, they’re in the same locker room now and they don’t get too caught up in all that. It’s blown out of proportion, I think. They’re focused on their respective teams and bettering themselves with every shift that they play … You can’t get too caught up in the one-on-one match-ups.”