Overview
- Gavin McKenna, the Maple Leafs’ No. 1 overall pick, has played three NHL games and has yet to record a point through Tuesday.
- Head coach Jim Hiller called McKenna “unflappable” and said the rookie has handled the spotlight and pressure well while showing promising play in practice and on the power play.
- Alternate captain John Tavares praised McKenna’s character and is hosting him in Toronto as part of the team’s veteran-mentorship plan to ease his transition.
- McKenna acknowledged the intense Toronto media attention, joking that criticism over his 0-for-3 start was his ‘welcome to the NHL’ moment and said he is focused on keeping his confidence.
- Toronto has started the season 1-2 and Hiller stressed the whole team must improve, with the club continuing a measured approach to McKenna’s deployment to protect his long-term development.