Wayne Gretzky, as great as he was, didn't score his first NHL goal until his third game in the league. The Toronto Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews managed to trump that and every other NHL debut in history by scoring four goals in his first game.
Gretzky, long-retired from his playing days in the NHL, nevertheless seemed to think that Matthews would help galvanize the Leafs and raise the overall profile of the NHL. Gretzky explained to the CBC.
"To see a young man come into Toronto and play like he did, good for him, I think it's great for the NHL."
Besides inspiring fans to buy his jersey in impressive numbers, Matthews has also intrigued new fans from south of the border due to his Mexican roots on his mother's side.
Did you know that @MapleLeafs rookie sensation @AM34's mom is Mexican? https://t.co/b38mPRHGXV
— Latino Rebels (@latinorebels) October 14, 2016
Now, in addition to all of that, Matthews also has words of encouragement from one of the best ever to play the game.
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