Overview
- McKenna made his NHL preseason debut on Saturday and drew the most public attention in Toronto’s 4-1 loss to Montreal.
- Head coach Jim Hiller used McKenna in meaningful roles, giving him 20:39 of ice time with 16:11 at even strength and 4:22 on the power play.
- McKenna skated alongside veterans John Tavares and William Nylander late in the game, a deployment that signals the team is actively testing top-six combinations.
- The 18-year-old showed clear creativity and offensive instincts but did not record a point and acknowledged a few turnovers that the club expects to clean up as he adjusts.
- Toronto has arranged veteran mentorship and housing support for McKenna and will treat preseason minutes as evaluation ahead of a final decision on his regular-season role, which includes playing in front of family on opening night.