Maple Leafs top pick Gavin McKenna to live with John Tavares this season

John Tavares, the veteran forward from the Toronto Maple Leafs, is offering his home to the team's first overall pick of the 2025 NHL draft, Gavin McKenna. This gesture comes after a disappointing 2025-26 season for the Maple Leafs, who finished last in the Atlantic Division with just 78 points. Tavares, who lived with Doug Weight during his time with the Islanders, understands the importance of having a strong support system during the early stages of an NHL career.

Having lived with McKenna in the past, Tavares believes the rookie will appreciate the opportunity to decompress and connect with a family environment. McKenna, who hails from Whitehorse, Yukon, will face unique challenges as a young player in the league's biggest market. Tavares emphasizes the importance of allowing McKenna to be himself and soak in the experience without feeling pressured to change or adapt.

The Maple Leafs' roster has seen significant changes since the disappointing season, with key additions including Sergei Bobrovsky, Darren Raddysh, and head coach Jim Hiller. Tavares remains confident in the team's potential, expressing his faith in the core group of Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and himself.