Gavin McKenna prepares for Maple Leafs debut: hopes hard work pays off on “a good night”

Gavin McKenna said he had dreamed a few days earlier about his first NHL regular-season game and is excited ahead of his debut with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The 18-year-old is expected to hit the ice on Tuesday against the Montreal Canadiens at Scotiabank Arena, in the season opener for both teams.

As NHL reports, McKenna was selected No. 1 in the 2026 NHL Draft at KeyBank Center in Buffalo — ten years after Auston Matthews was picked No. 1 in the same arena. Matthews, who went on to become Leafs captain, made modern history by scoring four goals in his first NHL game on October 12, 2016.

Before stepping onto the big stage, McKenna reflected on his journey from Whitehorse, Yukon to hockey’s biggest city, and will have around 14 family members and friends in the stands, including his mother Krystal and father Willy. Their presence gives him extra motivation to give his best.

In training and preseason games, McKenna has lined up with John Tavares and William Nylander and registered one assist in two exhibition games. Coach Jim Hiller praises his adaptation to the NHL level and says the player is working well and showing more maturity than expected in these first days.

McKenna says he’s not thinking about spectacular statistics; his wish is to play his role, battle for the puck, and contribute wherever he can to secure a good night for the team. According to NHL, expectations are high, but the player looks calm and ready for his first NHL test.