William Nylander Excited to Play With Gavin McKenna at Start of Maple Leafs Camp

William Nylander expressed his joy after being placed on the same line with Gavin McKenna and John Tavares on the first day of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ training camp. McKenna, 18, joined the club after a season at Penn State and is the first pick of the 2026 NHL Draft. Nylander also recalled the moment on May 5 when he learned the team had won the draft lottery, news he greeted with excitement.

According to the NHL, at the opening of camp the team decided to combine Tavares’ experience with McKenna’s young talent, believing it could boost the attack’s dynamism. The decision was made by the coaching staff of new head coach Jim Hiller, who also noted that McKenna is living in the Tavares family home, which offers him great learning opportunities off the ice.

Nylander described the partnership with McKenna as a “big change” for the team and said he feels “very excited.” He mentioned that during the first practices he had some good opportunities alongside the youngster and that the team will proceed step by step, without rushing for premature results.

Before seeking to lead, Nylander said he will try to give McKenna advice when needed, but also let him play and gain experience on the ice. This approach aims to help the youngsters adapt to the pace and expectations of top-level NHL.

Coach Jim Hiller explained that the line formation had its logic: benefiting from Tavares’ presence in a mentoring role alongside the youngsters and testing different combinations. Hiller mentioned a moment from practice where McKenna escaped a difficult situation in the corner and made an accurate pass to create space, a move that, in his words, shows a high level of play.

John Tavares praised McKenna’s ability to create plays even in traffic, while McKenna himself said he feels comfortable playing next to experienced players and will try to play his game, go to the net and let the pucks find the right spot.

According to the NHL, on the other side the team’s top line will feature Auston Matthews at center between Matthew Knies and Jack Roslovic, a combination hoped to restore the chemistry developed earlier in youth programs and bring stability to the attack.