Shane Doan's son will get to watch his favorite player in action Thursday when the Toronto Maple Leafs host the Arizona Coyotes. Oh, and dad.

Prior to the matchup, Doan suggested that his son is "as big of an Auston Matthews fan as there is," according to Sportsnet's Chris Johnston.

It will obviously be a special night, too, for the Arizona-raised No. 1 overall draft pick of the Maple Leafs, who will square off against his boyhood club - and idol - for the first time.

He mentioned after practice Wednesday how exciting it will be to play against the team, and one of the players, that inspired him to pursue hockey.

"I'm really looking forward to it," he said, according to Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun. "It will be pretty cool after watching guys such as Doan growing up. He's still playing (at 40). That will be pretty special."