5 best veteran debuts with new teams

After looking back at some of the best NHL player debuts last month, it's time to give some credit to the veterans.

It's not always an easy task for experienced players to join new teams. Sometimes it takes time to adjust to new surroundings, gel with new teammates, and learn new systems. Still, there have been a number of players that have made impressive debuts with their new clubs.

Here, we're going to look back at five of the best veteran debuts with new teams over the last 30 seasons.

5. Saad nets hat trick in second stint with Blackhawks Ronald Martinez / Getty Images Sport / Getty

When Brandon Saad was a restricted free agent, the Blackhawks dealt his negotiating rights to the Blue Jackets. He inked a six-year extension with Columbus, but Chicago reacquired him soon after in 2017 in exchange for talented newcomer Artemi Panarin.

Saad netted a hat trick in his first game back with the Blackhawks, which was a 10-1 beatdown against the defending Stanley Cup champion Penguins. While Panarin went on to play at an MVP level elsewhere, Saad showed Chicago that he could still produce as he did in years past.

4. Fleury dazzles in inaugural Golden Knights game Ethan Miller / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Following the emergence of Matt Murray, Marc-Andre Fleury knew the writing was on the wall with the Penguins. After winning his third Stanley Cup with Pittsburgh, he willingly waived his no-movement clause, which allowed him to be selected by the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft.

The Golden Knights managed to put together a respectable roster, but nobody was prepared for the historic season they would embark on with Fleury at the helm.

Fleury, who was immediately seen as the face of the franchise, turned in an epic performance on opening night against a tough Dallas team, stopping 45 of 46 shots while leading Vegas to its first win in franchise history. Not a bad introduction for a 33-year-old goalie.

3. Lemieux makes triumphant return after retirement

Mario Lemieux technically didn't make a debut for a new team, but he did take nearly four years off before rejoining the Penguins in 2000. With a new coach and a number of new teammates since he last played in 1997, Lemieux returned to a pretty unfamiliar scene.

However, during his debut on Dec. 27, he immediately showed that he hadn't missed a beat, producing a goal and two assists, including a helper on a goal in the opening seconds.

Lemieux only played in 43 games during the 2000-01 season, but he finished with 76 points and was named a Hart Trophy finalist. He helped lead Pittsburgh to the playoffs in 2001 but failed to do so in the following four seasons before retiring for good.

2. Jagr posts timeless 4-point effort in Stars debut Icon Sports Wire / Icon Sportswire / Getty

Expectations were slightly tempered when Jaromir Jagr signed with the Stars as a 40-year-old. The 2012-13 lockout delayed the season, but Jagr finally got the chance to make his debut with his first Western Conference team in mid-January.

He kicked off his stint with his fifth team in vintage fashion, contributing on every goal during a 4-3 win over the Coyotes. Jagr picked up two goals and two assists, proving to the hockey world that, for him, age is just a number.

1. Kontos explodes in Lightning's franchise debut B Bennett / Bruce Bennett / Getty

The Lightning made their NHL debut during the 1992-93 season and faced a tough task on opening night, taking on Ed Belfour and the Chicago Blackhawks on home ice.

Chris Kontos, who signed with the Lightning as a free agent, hadn't played in an NHL game in nearly three years. Prior to his stint with Tampa Bay, he appeared in just 164 career games and recorded 27 career goals. On opening night in 1992, the little-known forward turned in a heroic performance, recording four goals in a shocking 7-3 win.

Kontos helped kick off the Lightning franchise in spectacular fashion, and he went on to score 27 goals for the season, his final in the NHL.

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