Auston Matthews has a lot to celebrate. The past two seasons he scored a remarkable 132 points (he was the first in the modern era to score four goals in his debut game) and, oh yeah, he just turned 21.

Raised in Scottsdale, Arizona, Matthews became a Phoenix Coyotes fan at age 2. He started playing soon afterward and was eventually recruited to the U.S. Men's National Team, where he was awarded MVP status in the 2015 Under-18 Men's World Championship. In 2016, he was drafted to the Toronto Maple Leafs as the NHL's first pick that season. He would be decorated with the Calder Memorial Trophy (which is awarded to the "Best Rookie") and a new Rolex. In fact, it's this emerging fashion sense—bold-patterned hoodies and double-breasted blazers—that has gotten him noticed off the ice. Here, we chat with Matthews about his career and fashion, and why he counts Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Westbrook as style influences.

Suit by Dolce & Gabbana / Turtleneck by Uniqlo / Watch and bracelet, his own / Boots by Loake

GQ: What would your pitch be to someone who doesn't watch hockey?

Auston Matthews: Hockey has changed a lot. There's not a lot of fighting anymore. There aren't a lot of goons. It's a fast, skilled game and I'd honestly tell them to go try ice skating and get a stick and a puck and go out there and try playing. It's kind of what I realized when I got into golf and realized how difficult it was. People are like, "Why would you watch golf? It's so boring." But I have an appreciation for how hard it is, and I enjoy playing and I enjoy watching different guys. I think it's the same thing for hockey.

So what percentage of the NHL golfs?

Probably like 90 percent. Honestly. It's a lot. Everybody somehow gets into it.

What's been the biggest change for you since being drafted to the Toronto Maple Leafs?

My life has changed quite a bit, honestly. You go from living in Scottsdale, Arizona, where it's different and not anything like Toronto. You're in the hockey mecca of the world. You get recognized all around Toronto, all around Canada. It's definitely a bit of a change in pace, but I say it all the time: It's something I don't take for granted, because you're playing in such an amazing city with such passionate fans. These are people that truly care and watch the team and want us to be successful.

Is there a moment getting recognized that jumps out to you?

I think the first time I ever got recognized in Toronto was the summer I got drafted and I was in Toronto with my parents. We went and grabbed dinner, and I had a hat on, and a mom was walking her kid on the street. She stopped, got my attention, and just left her kid in the stroller and asked for a picture. She said, "My husband loves the team. We're so happy to have you." I was just like, "You, out of all people? You noticed me? I haven't even played a game for the team."