The date hockey fans have been waiting for is finally here. Wednesday night, the 2017-18 NHL season begins and we couldn't be more excited.
The opening night of the season features four games, two of which are all Canadian matchups and one of which features the third meeting between Auston Matthews and Patrik Laine.
Last year on opening night, Matthews made his NHL debut and announced his arrival to the league by scoring four goals against Ottawa.
On opening night this season, there are five players making their NHL debut that hope to follow in his footsteps:
Nolan Patrick, Philadelphia Flyers
The second overall pick in the 2017 NHL draft recorded 46 points in 33 games last season with the Brandon Wheat Kings.
Kailer Yamamoto, Edmonton Oilers
Nobody could have predicted Yamamoto making the Oilers' roster, but with five goals in the preseason, he played his way onto Edmonton's roster.
The 22nd overall pick from the 2017 draft will play on the second line against Calgary.
Andreas Borgman, Toronto Maple Leafs
The undrafted 22-year-old Swedish defenceman received SHL Rookie of the Year honours after an incredible 2016-17 season.
He then signed a two-year entry level deal with the Leafs.
Tage Thompson, St. Louis Blues
St. Louis' first round pick (26th overall) in 2016 played 16 games in the AHL last season and earned a spot on the Blues' roster for this season.
Vince Dunn, St. Louis Blues
The Blues have two players that will make their NHL debut Wednesday night. Dunn, a defenceman who was a second round pick in 2015, recorded 45 points in 72 games in his first season in the AHL last year.
