Maple Leafs first pick Gavin McKenna joins John Tavares and Auston Matthews at Toronto media day

The Toronto Maple Leafs introduced first-round rookie Gavin McKenna to reporters at Maple Leafs media day on Wednesday, with team leaders Auston Matthews and John Tavares sitting beside him as the 18-year-old forward begins his transition to the NHL. McKenna was selected by Toronto with the first pick in the 2026 NHL Draft out of Penn State University, making his camp appearance alongside two former No. 1 selections with Toronto ties: Matthews, the Maple Leafs captain taken No. 1 in the 2016 NHL Draft, and Tavares, the forward chosen No. 1 in the 2009 NHL Draft by the New York Islanders before joining Toronto.

Maple Leafs coach Jim Hiller said McKenna has continued to improve during the early portion of camp, noting that the forward has gained confidence and comfort with each skate since joining teammates for the weeks leading into the first official on-ice day Thursday. Hiller also said the organization has not set a ceiling for McKenna and will not force expectations for immediate impact, adding that Toronto will provide support around him from the NHL roster, including Matthews, Tavares and William Nylander, plus younger players such as Matthew Knies and Easton Cowan.

Asked about his own approach entering his rookie NHL season, McKenna said he expects high standards in Toronto and described motivation from hearing criticism during his previous season at Penn State. He said his experience included a slow start followed by improved production after representing Canada at the World Junior Championship in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, and he plans to use that lesson as he works to begin the season strongly.

The next major step for McKenna is the Maple Leafs season opener, health permitting, against the Montreal Canadiens at Scotiabank Arena on Sept. 29, following an unusual lead-up that included multiple off-ice stops and orientation before training camp.

Tavares and Matthews each discussed McKenna’s early adaptation and the support provided by established players as he learns the environment around the team. Hiller reiterated that development and comfort matter most as McKenna takes his first full NHL training camp run with Toronto.

Written by Vancouver Television Sports Desk