Gavin McKenna Ready for Future With Maple Leafs After Being Taken 1st Overall

While there was debate about whether or not the Toronto Maple Leafs could take Ivar Stenberg first overall, it was obvious that Gavin McKenna was the clear-cut option for them. From general manager John Chayka meeting him in Whitehorse before the draft combine to the event itself where he dominated the testing, it was set in stone that he would be the top pick. The Maple Leafs finalized that by selecting him first overall.  

It was a monumental moment for him as he received the call on the draft floor and Justin Bieber made it official.

Eyes have been on McKenna for years and now as a highly touted prospect. He looks to make his mark on a franchise that will hopefully one day hoist the Stanley Cup. For now, it’s just to get back and be part of a new form of success. He was the top prize in the draft and it’s clear to see why many had him ranked so high. 

McKenna is Already for Pressure in Big Market

In his documentary “The McKenna Project”, McKenna said “pressure is a privilege” (10:40 mark). That continued to be the mantra for him at the combine that he’s a player that won’t bow to pressure. Heading into one of the most pressurized and heavily scrutinized markets in hockey, McKenna doesn’t seem phased by anything in playing for Toronto. 

In fact, he welcomed it and seeing what he did with all eyes on him during his collegiate season, he might be ready. Yes, his start didn’t come as advertised as it was a transitional phase for him in playing against tougher competition, but once he found his game, he excelled. When people were doubting him, he quelled that and had a better second half, looking more comfortable, dangerous and being the playmaking catalyst that everyone wanted him to be. 

He’s also showing his competitive side and work ethic as he leads by example. He said he likes to “drag my teammates into the fire” and push them as much as he pushes himself to be a better player. That mindset alone should stick with him as he embarks on his NHL career. 

He has continued to get praise from his coaches at every level on his work ethic, compete and ability to learn and grow his game. Especially from Medicine Hat Tigers coach Willie Desjardins saying that he doesn’t, “accept being average.”

McKenna is Perfect Fit Offensively for Maple Leafs

Simply put, McKenna is the best and most highly skilled player in the draft and perfect fit for the Maple Leafs. His puck skills, offensive and playmaking vision and ability to dictate and control the game to open things up are why scouts and analysts always flock towards him.

Ever since he was granted exceptional status into the Western Hockey League, he has been the most dynamic and productive player every season. He decimated the WHL with 244 points in 133 games including an MVP caliber performance last season. While he had a slow start as a freshman, he finished with 51 points in 35 games, while also capturing BIG10 Rookie of the Year and being a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award. 

As he continues to rack up the accolades, McKenna has been displaying his strengths for years on why he’s such a special talent. His deceptiveness and creativity show with his quick moves in tight, pushing defenders back to open up space and quickly strike. He’s patient, can work give-and-go’s effectively and can quickly pivot when he’s in control. While he’s the top playmaker, he’s also a strong shooter as he possesses a decent shot. He’s always a few steps ahead of his opponent, much like what we’ve seen with Patrick Kane and Nikita Kucherov. 

While he brings a highly effective offensive skillset, it’s what he’s going to bring to everyone around him that can be the most impacftul. Especially if he’s going to be on the top line and playing with Auston Matthews at some point, which he’s already relishing.  

Whether it’ll be at five-on-five or on the power play, McKenna is going to make Matthews’ life easier for him to get back to the high danger areas. He’s always assessing his options. The more he’ll bait and manipulate plays against his opponent, the more successful his teammates can get into those spaces. With Matthews’ ability to get lost and be elusive in the scoring areas, he can do just that and get back to being a dominant goal-scorer without losing the defensive game he has shown.

For all the talk of his defensive game and lack of engagement early on this season, McKenna has done a better job to adapt and develop that aspect. While he needs to work at getting stronger and if he can work on the details away from the puck, combined with that offensive skillset, it will make him an absolute force down the line. That will be the biggest challenge for him, but there isn’t any doubt that he’s up for it.