Auston Matthews may have his own McDonald’s burger, but that certainly doesn’t mean he’s indulging in it, he says.

As the Toronto Maple Leafs prepare for their second matchup of the season against Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday, the star forward made it clear that staying disciplined takes priority over his new fast food item – even during his partnership with McDonald’s.

“I tried it once. That’s it. Gotta stay on point during the season,” said Matthews after Friday’s on-ice session in Edmonton.

Matthews and McDavid partnered with McDonald’s for the fast-food chain’s latest ‘Showdown’ campaign, which launched on January 7.

The promotion introduced the “Showdown Menu,” featuring six hockey-inspired items, including McDavid’s “Big Mac-David” and Matthews’ “Smoky Quarter Papi.” The campaign is the third of its kind from McDonald’s and the second to feature NHL stars, following the 1993 and 1997 editions.

The campaign paid homage to the 1997 McDonald’s commercial featuring hockey legends Mats Sundin and Wayne Gretzky, where the duo also held a trick shot competition across the arena to win a McDonald’s meal.

Even further back, the 1993 campaign starred NBA icons Michael Jordan and Larry Bird in a similar contest, re-establishing the phrase “nothing but net.”

“Definitely some long days. But it made it a little bit easier to have someone there with you and going through it all,” said Matthews, referencing the process behind shooting the commercials.

“In the end, it was fun to look back on. And, you know, kind of seeing them come out with the commercials and stuff. And just the history of that particular one. I mean, it’s pretty cool,” he added.

Saturday’s game marks the first time Matthews and McDavid will face off since the partnership was unveiled.

The Leafs previously beat the Oilers 4-3 in overtime at Scotiabank Arena on November 16, but Matthews missed that contest due to an upper-body injury. Now back in the lineup with six goals in his last eight games, the 27-year-old will be looking to defeat his McDonald’s partner again.

“We played together in the World Cup pretty early on. I mean, in both our careers. And then, you know, just spent time over the years, All-Star games, different situations. But, yeah, I mean, I have a ton of respect for him. A great person. Obviously, a very special player,” said Matthews of McDavid.

It’ll be a challenge, but the Leafs have their sights set on bouncing back from their recent three-game losing streak against McDavid and the Oilers.