5 best player debuts of the last 25 years
Few moments over the course of a career are as special for NHL players as their very first game. Some relish the spotlight, putting forth a memorable effort in their introduction to the hockey world.
With this in mind, we're going to remember five of the best player debuts in recent memory. The timeframe for this exercise spans 25 seasons, which, unfortunately, forces us to leave out classic examples such as Mario Lemieux's infamous first goal, on his first shift, on his first shot. Other claims to fame, like Philadelphia Flyers alumnus Al Hill notching five points and a Gordie Howe hat trick in his debut in 1977, were also left out.
Before we get to the list itself, we're going to list some honorable mentions for players that had incredible moments in their debuts but didn't find the scoresheet frequently enough.
Jordan Eberle, 2010
Eberle, having already established himself with a legendary performance for Canada at the world juniors a year prior, once again took center stage with an incredible goal in his NHL debut. That toe drag and backhand finish are moves players dream about pulling off once in their careers, and it only took Eberle two periods.
Vladimir Tarasenko, 2013
After spending three seasons in the KHL, Tarasenko finally came to the Blues in 2013 and burst onto the NHL scene. St. Louis' 2010 first-rounder torched the Detroit Red Wings in his debut, and his second goal of the night was an absolute beauty.
Elias Pettersson, 2018
Pettersson hardly wasted any time before showcasing his outstanding shot to Canucks fans, burying an absolute laser over then-Flames goaltender Mike Smith in the first period of his first NHL game.
Now, let's get to the list.
5. Derek Stepan, Rangers
Date: Oct. 9, 2010
Opponent: Buffalo Sabres
Stats: 3 G, 3 SOG, 17:21 TOI, GWG
A second-round pick of the Rangers in 2008, Stepan got his shot in the NHL after dominating at the University of Wisconsin and captaining the United States to world junior gold in 2010. He was more than ready, as he buried a hat trick on only three shots to lead New York to a 6-3 victory in Buffalo.
Stepan's scorching first game may not have been the most significant moment of his Rangers tenure, as he delivered a Game 7 overtime dagger at Madison Square Garden in 2015, but his three-goal debut was a historic start to a memorable tenure with the Blueshirts that featured 360 points in 515 games.
4. Fabian Brunnstrom, Stars
Date: Oct. 15, 2008
Opponent: Nashville Predators
Stats: 3 G, 5 SOG, GWG 14:37 TOI
A hot commodity prior to the 2008-09 campaign after posting 37 points in 54 games in the Swedish Elite League, Brunnstrom landed with the Stars on a two-year contract before making the most of his NHL debut. The highly skilled winger became the third NHL player ever to bag a hat trick in his first game. He even had a fourth goal disallowed.
Sadly for Brunnstrom, his sparkling debut was the peak of his NHL career, as he only played 104 games, never again registering a multi-goal performance.
3. Troy Grosenick, Sharks
Date: Nov. 16, 2014
Opponent: Carolina Hurricanes
Stats: 45-save shutout
Grosenick's story is easily the most unique on our list, and proof that you never know when it might be your night. The undrafted Grosenick was called up for his first NHL start two years after being a Hobey Baker finalist with Union College and while in the midst of posting pedestrian numbers in the minors.
He was put to the test early and often as the Sharks were outshot 45-18. Grosenick was up to the task, though, turning away every puck he faced to break a then-47-year record for saves in a debut shutout. After the historic showing, San Jose stuck with the hot hand and kept Grosenick in for another start. He allowed three goals on 13 shots against the Sabres and hasn't played in the NHL since.
2. Ryan Poehling, Canadiens
Date: April 6, 2019
Opponent: Toronto Maple Leafs
Stats: 3 G, 3 SOG, 11:22 TOI, Shootout winner
It was a meaningless final game of the season for both teams, but when Toronto and Montreal meet on a Saturday night, it's always a grand stage. Poehling, a coveted prospect in the Habs organization, stole the show on this particular evening.
After the Leafs jumped out to a 2-0 lead, Poehling registered back-to-back goals to bring the Canadiens back into the game. He then scored a late equalizer in the third period to force overtime and scored the eventual game-winning shootout goal. Talk about endearing yourself to one of hockey's most passionate fanbases.
1. Auston Matthews, Maple Leafs
Date: Oct. 12, 2016
Opponent: Ottawa Senators
Stats: 4 G, 6 SOG, 17:37 TOI
After Toronto drafted Matthews No. 1 overall in June 2016, expectations for his rookie season were sky-high. With the entire hockey world watching the lone early game on the opening night slate in 2016, he cemented his status as a burgeoning superstar.
Matthews became the first player in modern NHL history to score four goals in his debut, and his world-class skill was on full display when he stripped one Senator at center ice, nutmegged another, then won a puck battle versus Erik Karlsson before depositing a sharp-angle bullet for tally No. 2.
Despite occurring in an overtime loss, Matthews' dominant four-goal game will live on forever. On top of the eye-popping stat line, that evening was the start of a special rookie campaign that resulted in a Calder Trophy, and a major turning of the tide for a Maple Leafs franchise long stuck in the mud.