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"I'm kind of jealous": Auston Matthews backs Macklin Celebrini living with his ex-Maple Leaf roommate
Macklin Celebrini, the first overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, is set to become roommates with San Jose Sharks legend Joe Thornton. According to Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews, Celebrini should be thrilled about the opportunity.
“I’m kind of jealous,” Matthews said on Monday at the NHL North American Media Tour.
He spoke fondly of his experience living with Thornton. Matthews and Thornton were forced to quarantine together for two weeks prior to the start of the 2021 NHL season.
Along with teammates William Nylander and Rasmus Sandin, they stayed in a house with an outdoor rink to avoid time off the ice.
Even though Thornton was 41 at the time and Matthews was just 23, it was Thornton leading the fun and keeping spirits high. Thornton's lively presence was evident whether he was playing basketball before heading to the ice rink or embarking on rollerblade escapades with a carefree spirit, as noted by Matthews.
"He wakes up every day with so much energy," Matthews said. "There's no bad days in his life. He brings it every day and it's just so fun to be around."
Even after quarantine, Thornton lived with Matthews for an additional two weeks until his family arrived in Toronto.
“I think he’s (Celebrini) going to really enjoy it. Living with him, I’m sure he’s going to learn a lot. Jumbo’s great as far as just, like, supporting people and keeping things light. He’s going to really enjoy it.” Matthews added.
Now 18 years old, Celebrini can gain valuable perspective and advice from Thornton's 24 years of NHL experience.
Auston Matthews playing tennis with Steve Nash
Auston Matthews has found a new tennis partner this summer, Canadian basketball legend Steve Nash.
Matthews revealed on the 32 Thoughts podcast that he's played tennis a few times with the two-time NBA MVP.
“I played with Steve Nash a couple times this summer.”
The connection came through former Leafs assistant coach Manny Malhotra, who is married to Nash's sister. With both Auston Matthews and Nash spending time in Arizona during the offseason, they were able to link up for some tennis matches.
The 24-year-old Matthews is known to be a fan of various sports outside of hockey, like tennis and golf. He's been photographed in previous summers playing tennis alongside teammates Mitch Marner and Michael Bunting. Now he can add the iconic Nash to his list of tennis partners.
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