As starts go, this one was exceptionally fast.

The clock inside PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C., had just edged past the 2:30 mark of the first period when the slender No. 43 in white retrieved a loose puck at one side of the Carolina Hurricanes net. Swinging behind the cage, travelling post-to-post, the rawest of rookies coolly tucked a wraparound shot behind goaltender Cam Ward as the clock stopped at 2:44.

In doing so, Carr joined a select group: Players who scored their first NHL goal on their first shot on their first shift in their first game.

On "Hockey Night in Canada," no less. Coast to coast. Wearing the most regal sweater in the NHL, if not all of sports.

Just imagine.

Born in Sherwood Park, Alberta, Carr began his path to that moment at Union College in Schenectady, N.Y., which has a strong hockey program. As a freshman, he scored a 20 goals in 40 games, and another 20 goals and 40 points came during his sophomore year, followed by a 32-point junior season.

Carr's senior season at Union, 2013-14, was one for the books. He had 22 goals and 50 points to vault to the top of the school's career scoring chart with 78 goals and 157 points as he led Union the NCAA championship with a 7-4 victory against Minnesota.

The Canadiens signed Carr to a two-year, entry-level contract and he spent the next two seasons with Hamilton and St. John's of the American Hockey League before making his Canadiens debut in against the Hurricanes on Dec. 5, 2015.

NOTES & TRANSACTIONS

• ECAC All-Rookie Team (2011)
• ECAC First All-Star Team (2014)
• NCAA East Second All-American Team (2014)
• AHL First All-Star Team (2019)
• Les Cunningham Award (AHL MVP) (2019)
• Signed as a free agent by Montreal, April 25, 2014.
• Signed as a free agent by Vegas, July 1, 2018.
• Signed as a free agent by Nashville, July 1, 2019.
• Signed as a free agent by Washington, October 11, 2020.