Auston Matthews keeping playing destination under wraps until after junior camp

Top-rated NHL prospect Auston Matthews remains undecided on his playing destination ahead of his all-important draft season.

Matthews, who turns 18 in September, said Wednesday he'll decide on - or at least reveal - his future club after the United States National Junior Evaluation Camp, which runs through Saturday.

The decision comes down to Zurich of the Swiss Elite League, where he'll earn a professional salary during his draft season, and the Everett Silvertips, the Western Hockey League team that owns his Major Junior rights.

Though earning a salary is nothing to scoff at, Matthews sees preparation for the NHL as what's most valuable.

"It's a goal (to be chosen first overall), but honestly it's more of a goal to be NHL-ready. Coming into your draft year, there's a lot of hype and a lot of expectations," Matthews said, according to Mike Morreale of NHL.com.

"Honestly, I want to keep my world small and work my hardest."