Gavin McKenna on playing with Auston Matthews: 'Would be pretty special'

Gavin McKenna is ready to get started with the Toronto Maple Leafs, and if you asked him exactly where he wants to play in the Toronto Maple Leafs lineup, to no surprise, he'd love to be on the captain's wing.

McKenna feels his game is suited to play alongside Auston Matthews, and the thought of putting on the blue and white and starting on the top line is something special for the 2026 first-overall pick. "To play with a player like that, of that caliber, would be pretty special," McKenna told reporters Friday. "I think we would suit each other pretty well. Him being an older veteran guy, I think I can learn a lot from him. Being the captain of the Leafs, just a lot to learn from him. He's an amazing player, and if I get that opportunity, I'm not gonna try and waste it."

McKenna's been skating in Toronto for just over a week, and he's been putting on a show at the rookie skates. So much so, the Leafs have decided to hold McKenna back from going to the rookie tournament, and he'll stay in Toronto for more informal skates with the NHL club. McKenna can't wait to get started and feels he could really benefit from playing with Matthews right away. "He's unreal. He's fun to watch," McKenna said. "To play with him, he's super smart, and obviously he's got that release, so you kinda want to give him the puck when he's open and hope you get an assist."

Think #Leafs fans will enjoy this clip:

Here's Gavin McKenna scoring a lacrosse-style goal, aka "The Michigan," during today's practice at prospect camp.

Going to be fun watching McKenna this year.

(Viz: @sportsnet) #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/RjuPBMjOrz

— Daniele Franceschi (@Daniele_Media) September 11, 2026

McKenna, 18, is going to be living with John Tavares this season, as the former Leafs' captain has taken McKenna under his wing. The Whitehorse, Yukon native knows how lucky he is to not only be taken first overall, but be selected by a potential contender, while also having Tavares and Matthews to learn from. Two former top picks, who know what it's like to handle the pressure. McKenna's just ready to do whatever it takes to win, and whatever the Maple Leafs' organization wants from him.


"I was just doing whatever the team wanted me to do," McKenna said. "Obviously, it would be fun to play some games, but if they think me staying here is best, then I'm OK with that. I'll listen to what they want."