McKenna set for Maple Leafs debut, hoping work pays off in ‘good night’

TORONTO -- Gavin McKenna said he had a dream a couple of days ago about playing his first NHL regular-season game.

How, in fact, did it play out?

“It went good,” the Toronto Maple Leafs forward said with a laugh on Monday. “Hopefully that’s the case. I’m excited.”

The 18-year-old, like the rest of the hockey world, will find out if that dream of a successful debut becomes reality when he steps onto the ice against the Montreal Canadiens at Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday (7 p.m. ET; TVAS, SN) in the season opener for each team. 

McKenna was selected No. 1 by Toronto in the 2026 NHL Draft at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, one decade after Auston Matthews, who has since become team captain, was picked No. 1 in the same building (known then as First Niagara Center). Matthews immediately rewarded the Maple Leafs by becoming the first player in the modern era (dating back to 1943-44) to score four goals in his first NHL game, accomplishing the feat in a 5-4 overtime loss at the Ottawa Senators on Oct. 12, 2016.

Did McKenna dream something similar?

“I don’t know my stat line, but I think it was a good game,” he said, still chuckling. 

Good enough to score four goals like Matthews did?

“I’ve been told many times (he did that),” McKenna said. “I have high expectations for myself, but that’s not something I’m too worried about.

“I just want to go out there and play my game. And if I can contribute in ways like battling off the puck and things like that, I think that’ll lead to a good night. So, I’m not trying to think of that.”

Questioned by reporters if he’s ever queried Matthews about that special performance, a grinning McKenna replied, “I don’t think you can just ask him. I think he’s in a world of his own.”

On Tuesday, McKenna will be too.

When he stands on the blue line during the Canadian national anthem, he’ll likely reflect on his journey from his hometown of Whitehorse, Yukon to the hockey fishbowl of Toronto. All the while, 14 family members and friends will be in the stands to see him, most notably his mother, Krystal, and father, Willy.

“I’ll have a decent crew here,” he said. “Never got to play with people from my hometown and my family. It’s special and I’m looking forward to it.”

What they’ll see is a skilled teenager who has impressed management and teammates alike while playing on a line with John Tavares and William Nylander, collecting one assist in two preseason games.

“I’ll say this, he’s adjusted really well, maybe better than we thought he would through these first 10 days,” coach Jim Hiller said. “I think everyone’s seen that as well. So, I don’t know what that is going to look like. So long as he’s playing and he’s happy and he’s working like he is right now …  

“We know he’s going to make plays in the puzzle, but I just like how he’s adapted to the League overall.”

Hiller said he doesn’t think the moment will be too big for McKenna.

“You guys have talked to him a lot; he’s comfortable in his own skin,” Hiller said. “That’s the way I see Gavin. And so, tomorrow, I expect it will be a big game and exciting and all that, but I don’t think he’s going to overthink anything. He knows he’s a really good player, and he’s got a lot of self-confidence in that. 

“I think he’s going to come in here tomorrow, with the excitement, parents, all that kind of stuff, but he’s going to go do his thing. I wouldn’t expect anything different.”

Neither does Matthews, who can relate to the emotions that will be flowing through McKenna. 

He’s been there.

“It’s a pretty special moment,” Matthews said. “You have so much family, so much support in your corner.

 “I know it’s going to be a special night for him.”