Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews scored his 55th and 56th goals of the season during a game against the Dallas Stars at American Airlines Center on Thursday.

This achievement officially surpassed Rick Vaive, who scored 54 goals for Toronto back in the 1981-82 season.

His 56th goal also gives him the most goals in a single season by an American-born player. Kevin Stevens (55 in 1992-93) and Jimmy Carson (55 in 1987-88) were the previous leaders.  

“It means a lot,” Matthews said. “The names that have come before us, just to be in the same breath as some of these guys, it’s extremely humbling. It’s a big honor. This feels really nice, but we’re working towards something bigger than this. It’s a nice stepping stone, but there’s work to be done.”

Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe praised the 24-year-old forward and hoped he would reach even higher in the future.

“This is Auston Matthews’s night tonight,” Keefe said. “It’s much deserved and to finish it with an exclamation point, I think you write it like that. It’s pretty good. … First of all, getting the 50 goals, that in itself is a milestone for him, and then no hesitation he’s on to the next thing, which is the next game and the next challenge.”

Vaive wants to meet with Matthews on Saturday, as he’s going to attend Toronto’s game against the Montreal Canadiens.

“The sky’s the limit for this kid,” Vaive told NHL.com. “Congratulations to him. Records are made to be broken, and I’m proud that mine was broken by such a generational player. He’s just getting started too. He just seems to be getting better and better at both ends of the ice. I look forward to shaking his hand and congratulating him in person.”