Story Summary
Gavin McKenna, the 18-year-old Whitehorse, Yukon native selected No. 1 by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2026 NHL Draft, has made an encouraging start to his professional career. In Toronto’s 6-1 pre-season win against the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Arena, McKenna recorded his first professional point with an assist on a John Tavares goal. The rookie practised in Toronto on Thursday before travelling with the Maple Leafs to Arizona for a team-bonding trip led by captain Auston Matthews, including a workout at Mullett Arena – the 5,000-seat rink where McKenna made his Penn State debut on Oct. 3, 2025. After showing progress between his first two pre-season games, McKenna is looking ahead to the prospect of his first regular-season NHL game against the Montreal Canadiens next Tuesday at Scotiabank Arena.
Key Facts
- Gavin McKenna is 18 and from Whitehorse, Yukon.
- McKenna was selected No. 1 overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2026 NHL Draft.
- McKenna recorded his first professional point with an assist on a John Tavares goal in Toronto’s 6-1 pre-season win against the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Arena.
- Toronto lost McKenna’s Maple Leafs debut, a 4-1 pre-season loss to the Montreal Canadiens.
- McKenna practised in Toronto on Thursday before the team flies to Arizona for a bonding trip led by Auston Matthews.
- Part of the Arizona visit will include a workout at Mullett Arena in Tempe, Arizona – where McKenna had two assists in his Penn State debut on Oct. 3, 2025, a 6-3 win over Arizona State.
- McKenna skated with linemates John Tavares and William Nylander during the pre-season game against Ottawa.
- Maple Leafs coach Jim Hiller praised McKenna for being calmer and more composed in his second game.
- General manager John Chayka described the Arizona trip as meaningful to Auston Matthews and a chance for the team to get to know each other better.
- McKenna had 51 points (15 goals, 36 assists) in 35 games at Penn State, including 33 points (11 goals, 22 assists) in his final 19 games.
- McKenna represented Canada at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota.
- McKenna worked on footwork in the off-season in Vancouver, including on-ice sessions that involved Macklin Celebrini, and says skating was a key focus for him this summer.
IHM Discussion
McKenna’s early days with the Maple Leafs follow a whirlwind year. His Penn State debut in October 2025 preceded an uneven start to his freshman season, a strong finish with 33 points in his final 19 games, and an appearance for Canada at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship. Toronto then selected him first overall in the 2026 NHL Draft.
Training camp and two pre-season games have offered early signs of adjustment. Jim Hiller highlighted McKenna’s calmness and composure in his second outing, while McKenna pointed to off-season work on his footwork and skating. Hiller also singled out his skating and straightaway speed.
McKenna skated with John Tavares and William Nylander against Ottawa and assisted on Tavares’s goal. It was a positive early moment for a young forward learning the pace and limited time and space of the NHL.
Why It Matters
For the Maple Leafs, McKenna’s early progress is encouraging as a No. 1 pick adapts to NHL demands. His skating, composure and ability to respond after a quieter first pre-season outing will remain closely watched.
For McKenna, the Arizona trip offers time with new teammates and a return to the rink where he made his Penn State debut. The prospect of a first regular-season game against Montreal would mark another significant step.
Fan Pulse
McKenna’s assist on Tavares’s goal and his more confident second pre-season outing gave Maple Leafs fans an encouraging early look at the No. 1 pick. A number of his friends and family are expected to attend if he makes his regular-season debut against Montreal at Scotiabank Arena.
Mini Q&A
What milestone did Gavin McKenna reach in the pre-season game against Ottawa?
McKenna recorded his first professional point with an assist on a John Tavares goal in Toronto’s 6-1 pre-season win against the Ottawa Senators.
Where will the Maple Leafs go for their team-bonding trip and why is it significant for McKenna?
The Maple Leafs will fly to Arizona for a bonding trip led by Auston Matthews that includes a workout at Mullett Arena – the same rink where McKenna had two assists in his Penn State debut on Oct. 3, 2025.
How did McKenna’s performance change between his first and second pre-season games?
Coach Jim Hiller said McKenna was calmer and more composed in his second game, showing improvement after a cautious debut in a 4-1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens and contributing offensively in the win over Ottawa.
What aspects of his game did McKenna work on over the summer?
McKenna focused on improving his footwork and skating in the off-season, including on-ice sessions in Vancouver that involved Macklin Celebrini.
When is McKenna expected to make his first regular-season NHL appearance?
McKenna said he is excited by the prospect of playing his first regular-season NHL game next Tuesday against the Montreal Canadiens at Scotiabank Arena (7 p.m. ET; SN, TVAS).
Coach Mark Comment
McKenna’s response from his first pre-season game to his second is the encouraging detail. Greater calmness with the puck gives a young forward a better chance to use his skating rather than simply reacting to the pace around him. The challenge now is to repeat those habits as the competition sharpens.
What Comes Next
The Maple Leafs will travel to Arizona for a team-bonding trip led by Auston Matthews that includes a workout at Mullett Arena on Saturday. McKenna is looking ahead to the prospect of playing his first regular-season NHL game against the Montreal Canadiens next Tuesday at Scotiabank Arena (7 p.m. ET; SN, TVAS).
IHM Final View
McKenna’s rise since his Penn State debut has been rapid. His first professional point, improved skating and more composed second pre-season outing are encouraging early signs. The Arizona trip and the possibility of a regular-season debut offer the next opportunities to assess how that progress carries forward.