2020-21 Auston Matthews Game Worn Toronto Maple Leafs "St. Pats" Throwback Jersey -- Photo Matched to 3/14 vs. Senators!...

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2020-21 Auston Matthews Game Worn Toronto Maple Leafs "St. Pats" Throwback Jersey -- Photo Matched to 3/14 vs. Senators! He was the first overall selection in the 2016 NHL entry draft, the first American to lead a draft class since Patrick Kane in 2007. He'd score four goals in his debut with the Leafs, the first NHL player to launch his career with that quantity since a couple players scored five in the inaugural game of the league in 1917. Matthews' replica jersey quickly became the top seller in the aftermath of that auspicious start.

The presented jersey, however, is no replica, having been professionally photo matched by MeiGray to the Leafs' March 14, 2021 visit to the Ottawa Senators. The arresting throwback design plays double-duty here, recalling the Toronto St. Patricks nickname that the franchise utilized between its 1919 entry to the NHL and its rebranding in 1927 to the name that remains nearly a century later. And, of course, the game's proximity to St. Patrick's Day celebrations surely played a role in the decision to sport the alternate format.

Matthews was held scoreless in the contest but the 2020-21 season would prove to be the first of three to date that found the young superstar earning the Maurice Richard Trophy as the NHL's leading goal scorer (41) in a season abridged by the COVID pandemic (a 60-goal pace at 82 games). Remarkably, this would make Matthews the first Maple Leaf to claim that prize. He'd finish second to Connor McDavid in Hart Memorial Trophy (MVP) balloting.

The jersey faithfully recalls the ancient style, with green and white felt identifiers announcing "St. Pats" across the chest and number "34" at both sleeves and verso where "Matthews" stands in three-inch block across rear nameplate. Lower rear interior tail bears a pair of team labels, an "Adidas" flap tag and fight strap. Interior collar holds "Adidas [size] 58" labeling.

Game wear is appropriate for a single game's action, and a black mark on the left sleeve is one of the data points (along with the stitching pattern on the left sleeve numeral) utilized by MeiGray for their included photo match. It's a dazzling piece, both aesthetically and historically. Photo match LOA from MeiGray. COA from Toronto Maple Leafs. LOA from Heritage Auctions.

More Information: MeiGray, of Branchburg, New Jersey, is the sports memorabilia industry’s most respected and experienced game-worn jersey authenticator. The company, in its 28th year, introduced photo-matching to the hobby at large in 1997 and pioneered the technique that has catapulted the values of the hobby’s most historic items. MeiGray over the last several years has authenticated more than 20 game-worn pieces that have sold for more than $1 Million, more than any other authenticator. MeiGray in 2002 created the NHL-MeiGray Game-Worn Jersey Program and in 2006 introduced the NBA & MeiGray Game Worn Authentication Program. MeiGray has built game-worn businesses for more than a half-dozen professional leagues, and currently partners with six NHL teams, four NBA teams, and the ECHL