Top pick Gavin McKenna lines up with John Tavares and William Nylander at Leafs’ camp
Jim Hiller elected to keep fans and media guessing. The Toronto Maple Leafs head coach declined to publicly divulge where No. 1 overall pick Gavin McKenna would slot in at his first training camp practice. The curtain was lifted about thirty minutes into Thursday’s session. McKenna skated on a line with John Tavares and William […]
Toronto Maple Leafs' head coach Jim Hiller maintained a veil of secrecy regarding the position Gavin McKenna, the team's No. 1 overall pick, would assume during his inaugural training camp practice. On Thursday, McKenna joined forces with NHL stars John Tavares and William Nylander on a line, confirming his place within the team's primary group.
The lineup also included Matthew Knies alongside Auston Matthews and Jack Roslovic, Easton Cowan with Nick Paul and Colton Sissons, and a trio of Dakota Joshua, Teddy Blueger, and Brandon Duhaime. Steven Lorentz was left out of the initial grouping.
The 18-year-old from Whitehorse made an early impression, contributing to Tavares' goal in the slot and participating actively in a battle drill against Matthew Knies, ultimately losing a glove but securing the puck behind goaltender Anthony Stolarz. McKenna will reside with Tavares and his family during his rookie season, allowing him to adapt to the NHL environment as a member of the Maple Leafs.
The team had a disappointing 2025-26 season, finishing last in the Atlantic Division, but their efforts paid off with the lottery pick that granted them the opportunity to select McKenna in June.
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