Gavin McKenna received direct advice from Matthew Schaefer as Jim Hiller prepares the Maple Leafs rookie for Toronto's spotlight.
Schaefer believes confidence will be McKenna's strongest tool when he begins facing the NHL's best players.
Speaking at the Smilezone Golf Tournament, Schaefer told McKenna to enjoy the experience, trust himself and avoid letting outside pressure shape his approach.
That message carries weight because Schaefer understands the demands attached to arriving as a first overall pick and being judged immediately.
Toronto creates a different level of attention. Every practice, line combination and quiet stretch can become a major talking point before a young player has settled into the league.
Schaefer's advice was built around the people closest to McKenna. Strong support from teammates and coaches can help, but the rookie still has to build belief through his own play.
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What Matthew Schaefer just said about Gavin McKenna has the hockey world talking
The Maple Leafs don't need McKenna chasing every headline or trying to justify his draft position on each shift. They need him reading plays, attacking with confidence and staying connected to his line.
Hiller will play a large role in that process. The right deployment can protect McKenna from being overloaded while still giving him enough responsibility to develop.
Confidence won't remove the hard nights. NHL defenders will close space faster, challenge him along the boards and force quicker decisions with the puck.
But hesitation can be just as costly for a skilled rookie. McKenna's game depends on creativity, controlled entries and the willingness to make plays under pressure.
Schaefer also knows their paths will cross quickly. The 2 young players are scheduled to meet on September 30 and again on October 17.
Those games will bring added attention, but neither player can treat them as a personal referendum. Their development will be measured over months, not 2 early matchups.
For Toronto, the best outcome is a confident McKenna who accepts mistakes without carrying them into his next shift. That mentality would give Hiller far more freedom when setting his role.
Schaefer's message was simple and useful: enjoy the moment, trust the work and let confidence grow before the pressure becomes the story.
Will Gavin McKenna's confidence help him handle Toronto immediately?
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