Maple Leafs' Matthews Excited About Potentially Playing With Gavin McKenna

The Toronto Maple Leafs have had themselves quite the week.

From a cringe-worthy press conference, to Auston Matthews wanting out, to then winning the NHL Draft Lottery, Leafs Nation has been through the ringer this week. While TSN's Chris Johnston has been the only one to report the fact Matthews is 'unsure' if he'll return to the Maple Leafs next season, it turns out some other reporters have been able to track down a completely different narrative.

According to David Pagnotta, who was co-hosting Leafs Morning Take with Nick Alberga, Matthews' camp says the Leafs' captain is excited about the potential of playing with Gavin McKenna, who is presumed to be the first overall pick at next month's draft:

“McKenna’s camp was excited about this… and Auston’s side is pretty excited about that prospect as well.” 👀

David Pagnotta on the reaction to Toronto winning the draft lottery and the possibility of Gavin McKenna joining Auston Matthews in Toronto. 🍁@thegoldenmuzzy |… pic.twitter.com/2UTzE1rbSP
— TheLeafsNation (@TLNdc) May 7, 2026

John Chayka and Mats Sundin have a ton to work to do to get the Maple Leafs back on track, but winning the lottery certainly helps their chances to retool on the fly, and be competitive as soon as next season. With Matthews only having two years left on his contract, it's truly now or never for the 'Papi Era' in Toronto.