Evan Bouchard didn't waste any time showcasing his offensive talent.
The Edmonton Oilers defenceman notched a hat trick in Tuesday's season opener against the visiting Vancouver Canucks.
It marked the first hat trick for any NHL defenceman in a season opener since Mark Howe accomplished the feat with the Hartford Whalers way back in 1980.
Bouchard capped the hat trick midway through the third period, cutting Vancouver's lead to 5-4 and causing a short break as arena staff picked up all the hats thrown by fans.
Bouchard then notched his second assist of the night on Vasily Podkolzin's tying goal with 43 seconds left.
That made Bouchard the first defenceman in NHL history to record five points in a season opener.
The native of Oakville, Ont., is coming off a career-best season in offensive numbers (21 goals, 74 assists for 95 points in 82 games).
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