Maple Leafs No. 1 overall pick Auston Matthews makes history in NHL debut
OTTAWA — Just one game into his NHL career and Auston Matthews has already made his mark.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 draft became the first player in NHL history to score four goals in his regular-season debut as his Toronto Maple Leafs fell to the Ottawa Senators 5-4 in overtime on Wednesday night in the season opener for both teams.
“It was pretty surreal, I couldn’t believe it,” said Matthews, who had no idea he had made history with his performance.
Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock, who has been with Toronto for a season, was impressed by Matthews’ performance. Although the Maple Leafs took the loss, he sees a lot of potential in his young team.