There’s a difference between being given an opportunity and being ready to make the most of it. Gavin McKenna is about to find out where he stands.

At Wednesday’s practice, Toronto Maple Leafs coach Jim Hiller moved the 18-year-old rookie onto the top line with Auston Matthews and Jack Roslovic. Easton Cowan, who had been getting that opportunity, shifted to a line with Nick Paul and William Nylander.

That’s an interesting change, especially with Kirill Marchenko out of the lineup. But it also feels like a challenge. Hiller isn’t simply giving a promising young player a look. He’s asking McKenna to help drive the offence at a time when Toronto needs someone to step forward.

Has McKenna earned that trust? Perhaps the better question is what he’ll do with it.

McKenna’s Opportunity Is There. Now Comes the Responsibility.

There’s a reason this move makes sense. McKenna has shown chemistry with Matthews on the power play, and the two have some familiarity working together. Putting them on the same line gives Toronto a chance to see whether that connection can carry over at five-on-five.

It also gives McKenna a bigger role in creating offence rather than simply benefiting from what others produce. That’s an important distinction for a young player. Of course, playing alongside Matthews comes with its own challenges. The captain already carries a heavy workload, and Toronto’s goal has been to find players who can help take some of that pressure off him.

McKenna doesn’t have to become a defensive specialist overnight. But he does have to be responsible away from the puck, make smart decisions and understand that a top-line assignment involves more than scoring chances.

Can McKenna Make This Role His Own?

This is where things get interesting for Maple Leafs fans. Young players need opportunities, but coaches also need to know they can trust them when games get tight. McKenna has the talent to make the most of this promotion. The question is whether he can bring enough consistency to keep it. If he creates offence, works hard defensively and helps Matthews spend less time carrying the entire burden, Hiller will have a good reason to keep the line together.

If it doesn’t click immediately, that doesn’t mean McKenna has failed. He’s 18, and development rarely follows a straight line. Still, this is a chance to show that he’s ready for more than occasional flashes of promise.

Hiller has opened the door. Now McKenna gets to show what he can do with it. And for Toronto, discovering that answer could be almost as valuable as a few extra goals.

Related: The Maple Leafs May Have Found Something Young Players Need