Russian striker Kirill Marchenko set Toronto's 21st century record

Russian forward Kirill Marchenko set a 21st century Toronto Maple Leafs record with an assist 48 seconds into his debut for the team. This was reported on the Match TV website with reference to the NHL press service.

In the first shift, Marchenko assisted William Nylander, who opened the scoring in the match against the Montreal Canadiens. This is the fifth fastest time in the history of the club for the first effective action in a debut game. The absolute record belongs to Canadian Alvin Morris, who passed the ball at 15 seconds in 1943.

The match ended in Toronto's defeat with a score of 2:3. Nylander scored a double. The defeat ended the team's ten-game winning streak at home at the start of the season.

“I was nervous and I'm so happy to be here. I think it's everyone's dream to be a Toronto Maple Leafs player. […] I can definitely play better,” the NHL website quotes Marchenko.

Marchenko joined Toronto from Columbus on Monday and signed a six-year, $75 million contract. Last season, the forward scored 67 points for Columbus: 27 goals and 40 assists in 76 games.