The Maple Leafs Are Doing the Right Thing Easing in McKenna

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Gavin McKenna (Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images)

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers By Peter Baracchini | Last updated Sep 20, 2026 10:35 AM ET

Heading into training camp, many wondered how the Toronto Maple Leafs would utilize Gavin McKenna as he entered his rookie season. After days, even months of speculation since he got drafted, we finally have our answer.

During the practices and even his first game, the top prospect in the organization lined up with John Tavares and William Nylander as his first line mates and impressed instantly. While many would’ve loved to see him on the wing with Auston Matthews, as that would be the ideal fit, putting him on the second line is the best fit for the time being as well as the right thing to do for his development.

There isn’t any doubt, that McKenna has top line potential. However, making the transition from the NCAA to the NHL as an 18-year-old is no easy feat in itself. He had an average start last season, before turning on the jets and finding his footing, finishing with 51 points in 35 games.

It’s not a bad thing that McKenna is starting his career on the second line, considering the amount of depth, talent and star power the team already has. Head coach Jim Hiller didn’t sugarcoat anything as he addressed his plans for McKenna on the opening day of camp with a reasonable response, wanting to put him in the best spot to succeed, but for everyone else on the roster to succeed as well.

Easing him in on the second line is definitely the best thing for him right now as you don’t want to overwhelm right from the start as he gets comfortable at a higher competitive level. He’s on a team where he can be sheltered for the time being and not be relied on to carry the offense right away as the team already has a number of players that can do that right now. He can be a secondary producer until he’s ready for a bigger role.

Playing it safe with McKenna isn’t a bad thing right now as he’s going to be in a prominent and important top-six role to provide the offense. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves as there will be some growing pains throughout the season. Though with the team showing the faith in him to start off in the top-six is a great show of trust and the plan that they have for him to be in the best position to produce and get results.

If he continues to get those results, then you can easily promote him to the top line and he can form new chemistry with the team’s highest paid player and top goal scorer in Matthews.

It was only one game, but the skill level is already showing that flash and skill that he’s known for in his first game. More importantly, he already looked comfortable and fit in very well with Tavares and Nylander showing good chemistry. He didn’t get any points, but his teammates took notice instantly.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Gavin McKenna (Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images)

McKenna was slick, showing great hands and the offensive vision and creativity was evident. Whether it was at five-on-five or on the power play, he was noticeable and made an impact when he could. When he had the puck, he was confident and made a number of great plays, exploited the ice very well and got great looks on net. He was the main play driver and creator on his line and it looked like even Tavares and Nylander had a hard time to keep up because of his pace. Despite it being his first game, albeit it a preseason match-up, he didn’t look out of place.

As McKenna continues to get more comfortable, the consistency and overall play will grow as well as he continues to learn on the fly. It’s not easy to make the kind of jump that he’s taking, but if anyone is up to the challenge and pressure of privilege in playing in this market, it’s definitely McKenna.