Auston Matthews Is Already The GOAT

October 12, 2016, 10:08pm

Move over, Wayne Gretzky. Auston Matthews is on pace to be the greatest NHL player of all time.

The Maple Leafs’ prodigy became the first player in history to score four goals in his NHL debut when he lit up the Senators in the season opener Wednesday night. Even after all the No. 1 pick hype, Matthews somehow went out and delivered a once-in-a-lifetime performance. And he did all his mind-boggling damage through two periods. Four fuckin’ goals in his NHL debut.

Videos by VICE

Only four other times had a player recorded a hat trick in their NHL debut before the American phenom eviscerated the Senators with one of the greatest opening acts in sports history. No hyperbole. This is something people will be talking about forever.

Here’s a look at some of the goals and reaction.

No. 1 overall pick Auston Matthews has a hat trick 21:25 into his NHL career. Three goals on three shots. — NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL)October 13, 2016

Would you like to feast your eyes on Auston Matthews first NHL goal? — Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs)October 12, 2016

4uston Matthews. — Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs)October 13, 2016

Would pay money to see Austin Matthews DM’s right now.
— Paul Bissonnette (@BizNasty2point0)October 13, 2016

I feel like I’m watching one of the 99 overall created player’s I used to make in NHL 2002
— Garret Sparks (@GSparks40)October 13, 2016

Auston Matthews’ parents celebrate after their son scores his first — Sportsnet (@Sportsnet)October 12, 2016

Awesome reaction from Auston Matthews’ mom after his 3rd goal — Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn)October 13, 2016

Auston Matthews is on pace for 492 goals. I say he does it.
— James Mirtle (@mirtle)October 13, 2016

At this pace, Auston Matthews will break Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record for goals (894) in Feb. 2019, his 3rd NHL season & his 224th NHL game. — SportsCenter (@SportsCenter)October 13, 2016