Connor McDavid is no stranger to being drafted first overall into a hockey-crazed Canadian market desperate for its next superstar. In 2015, McDavid was that for the Edmonton Oilers, and 11 years later, in 2026, Gavin McKenna is stepping into that same role for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
As a result, when speaking with the media at Zach Hyman’s annual charity golf event just outside in North York on Monday, McDavid was asked about the newest Maple Leaf, McKenna.
The world’s best player believes McKenna will have his hands full, although he thinks having Auston Matthews and company around will help him handle everything that comes with playing in Toronto.
“I don’t know much about him. I haven’t paid attention all that much, to be honest. Seems like he’s a good kid.
He’ll have his hands full in Toronto, but he seems like he’s prepared for it. He’ll have a good support system there too, obviously with Auston, and he’ll have lots of support around him, so he should be fine,”
The 18-year-old McKenna had a productive draft year, tallying 51 points (15 goals, 36 assists) in 35 games for Penn State in the Big Ten while also racking up 14 points (four goals, 10 assists) in just seven games at the World Juniors.
While the real pressure moments have yet to come, McKenna has looked exactly like the type of player and personality that can handle playing in such a demanding market.
Not only does he seem unbothered by the noise, but if anything, he appears to be one that thrives under the spotlight and on the biggest stage when everyone is watching.
Nobody, including McKenna himself, truly knows how he’ll fare in Toronto, but he’s passed every test with flying colors so far. Maple Leafs fans should be excited for what’s to come.
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