Auston Matthews continues to blaze his own trail.

Matthews was named Thursday to the 2016 United States Men's National Team that will compete at the World Championship in Moscow and St. Petersburg in May.

Matthews is the first player named to the team, with the rest of the squad and its coaches to be announced in the coming weeks, according to USA Hockey.

The 18-year-old, who's expected to be the first overall pick at the 2016 NHL Draft, spent this past season playing with the Swiss League's ZSC Lions, recording 24 goals and 22 assists in 36 games. He also played for the U.S. at the World Junior Championship in January.

Matthews appeared in an exhibition game with the U.S. Men's National Team prior to the 2015 IIHF Worlds, becoming the first player to suit up at that level before entering their draft-eligible season.

Many NHL eyes will no doubt be tuned in to see how he holds up against world-class competition.

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