A decade after Auston Matthews made an unforgettable NHL debut with four goals in a single game, another top draft pick faced a starkly different start to their career. The expectations surrounding the highly anticipated rookie failed to materialize, as they left their first professional contest without scoring against a strong defensive team. The contrast highlights the unpredictable nature of transitioning from junior hockey to the elite level, where even standout prospects can struggle to replicate early success. Fans and analysts will debate whether this is a sign of things to come or just a rough opening night for a player with significant talent.

Ten years after Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews, the top pick in the 2016 Draft, had scored four goals against the Ottawa Senators in his first NHL game, there would be no such magic for McKenna ...