Gavin McKenna’s first preseason game in a Maple Leafs sweater gave Toronto a little bit of everything - flashes of the upside, a reminder of the rough edges, and a 2-1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens that left the Leafs’ A team searching for offense.
McKenna was slotted alongside John Tavares and William Nylander for his Toronto debut, a notable spot for the rookie in his first-ever game wearing a Maple Leafs jersey. The night, though, was defined more by missed chances than finished plays. Toronto’s only goal came from Darren Raddysh for Auston Matthews, and that was the extent of the scoring.
The growing pains showed up early for McKenna. In the first period, he found himself with a clean scoring chance but held onto the puck too long and never got the shot away. It was the sort of hesitation that comes with a young player still trying to sort out the pace and details at this level.
Not long after that, he made another mistake and took a penalty.
Still, the game wasn’t all negative for the rookie. There were stretches where McKenna flashed exactly why Toronto is so interested in what comes next.
Michael Amato of Sportsnet noted several instances in which McKenna drew penalties, using his speed and shiftiness to force opponents into trouble. That kind of trait matters for a Leafs team that badly needs it; Toronto ranked 29th in penalties drawn last season.
The debut wasn’t polished, and it wasn’t supposed to be. McKenna showed the talent and the tools that made him such a big name, but he also showed he has plenty to clean up.
One preseason game can’t define a first overall pick, and it certainly doesn’t make him a finished product. The Leafs now have the job of helping shape that talent into something more.
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Gavin McKennas First Leafs Game Is Raising An Immediate Concern
Gavin McKenna is about to get his first preseason look with the Maple Leafs, and the early conversation around him has already moved beyond his skating and skill. The detail drawing attention is his listed weight, which comes in about 10 pounds below what was recorded at the NHL Draft Combine, a shift fans noticed right away as they started circling his first game in blue and white.
For Toronto, the question is less about a number on a chart and more about how his frame plays in actual NHL competition. The league has plenty of examples of smaller players finding success by leaning on pace, balance and quick decision-making, and McKenna fits that broader discussion as he begins his Leafs preseason path. There is no official sign of any health issue, but the size talk is going to follow him until he shows what he can do on the ice. [Read more 🡒]
Matthews Gave Leafs Fans One Reason To Exhale In Montreal
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Darren Raddysh scored Torontos lone goal, while rookie Gavin McKenna gave the club a glimpse of his playmaking touch even if the night included a penalty. For a Leafs team still sorting out its early preseason shape, the game was less about the scoreboard than the different levels of comfort shown by key veterans and younger pieces trying to carve out a role. [Read more 🡒]
Leafs Fringe Forward Made An Early Statement In Montreal
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The moment fit the tone of a roster battle more than a tune-up, with every involved player trying to leave an impression before camp decisions get tougher. Pezzettas early exit came before teammate Teddy Blueger also fought in the same game, adding another layer of edge to a matchup that had already turned physical and given the Leafs another bit of evidence about who is willing to make noise in a depth role. [Read more 🡒]