Gavin McKenna didn't light up the scoresheet in his Toronto Maple Leafs debut, but Jim Hiller saw enough to keep the night in perspective.
The first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft made his preseason debut Saturday against the Montreal Canadiens at Scotiabank Arena. Toronto dropped the game 4-1.
McKenna finished without a point while skating on the left side with John Tavares and William Nylander. He put 3 shots on goal and finished with a -1 rating.
The 18-year-old also took a hooking penalty during his first few shifts, giving him an early reminder of how quickly NHL plays can turn.
"Being out there with the guys, the talent in this room, very lucky to be able to step on that ice for my first time with guys like Matthews, Knies, JT, Willy, all those guys. So just super lucky, and I'll remember this day forever."
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There were flashes. McKenna used his speed on a rush around the net and later created a power-play look from the right circle, even if neither sequence produced a goal.
Afterward, McKenna focused more on the experience than the lack of production. He spoke about how much it meant to share the ice with Auston Matthews, Matthew Knies, Tavares and Nylander.
Jim Hiller keeps expectations measured
Hiller wasn't looking for McKenna to take over the game immediately. The Leafs head coach wanted the teenager to absorb the experience during his first NHL preseason appearance.
That context matters. Auston Matthews noted McKenna entered the game after only 2 practices, leaving little time to adjust to NHL teammates, systems and pace.
McKenna's draft status guarantees attention every time he touches the puck, and a scoreless debut was always going to draw scrutiny.
But Toronto's bigger evaluation will come through his next appearances. The Leafs can now watch how quickly he adjusts his decisions with the puck and finds space against NHL defenders.
His first night showed the challenge. Chances close faster, passing lanes disappear quickly and hesitation can turn an attacking opportunity into a lost possession.
McKenna is officially listed with Toronto after going first overall in 2026, with the regular season still ahead and no NHL games yet on his career record.
For Hiller and the Leafs, the next step is seeing whether those brief flashes become sustained pressure as camp moves forward.
Will Gavin McKenna earn a major role with the Maple Leafs this season?
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