McKenna to make Maple Leafs debut at 2026 NHL Prospect Challenge

Toronto Maple Leafs fans will not have to wait until the preseason to see Gavin McKenna play his first game in their uniform. 

McKenna, the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, and the Maple Leafs will face the Ottawa Senators on Saturday and the Winnipeg Jets on Sunday in the 2026 NHL Prospect Challenge at Centre Slush Puppie in Gatineau, Quebec. The four-team event also includes the Montreal Canadiens.

The 18-year-old tied for fifth among NCAA players last season with 51 points (15 goals, 36 assists) in 35 games as a freshman at Penn State last season and was a top-10 finalist for the Hobey Baker Award given to the top men's college hockey player. The native of Whitehorse, Yukon, also helped Canada win the bronze medal at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship with 14 points (four goals, 10 assists) in seven games, second among all players.

McKenna recently was voted No. 1 in NHL.com's top 26 prospects for the 2026-27 season. He said he understands the pressure he'll be under this season but believes he's ready for it.

"I think obviously everyone talks about the Toronto market, but at the end of the day, I’m just out there playing hockey," McKenna said during the NHLPA Rookie Showcase in July. "To have that opportunity to get drafted to a market like that is pretty special. But for me, I just try not to think about it, try to block out all the noise and play the game I love playing."

McKenna already has made a few fans among his Maple Leafs teammates -- and their families. He will live in the home of forward John Tavares this season.

"My kids love him," Tavares said during the NHL/NHLPA North American Player Media Tour. "Every time we go out on the boat to do water sports or go fishing, they don't want to go without him.

Tavares said it's been fun to watch McKenna bond with sons Jace, 7, and Axton, 5, and daughter Rae, 3.

"He's great with them," Tavares said. "As a parent, I can't say enough about how much I appreciate how amazing he is interacting with them. He's fit in seamlessly with our family."

NHL.com staff writers Tracey Myers and Mike Zeisberger contributed to this report