McKenna takes rookie lap ahead of NHL debut

Gavin McKenna has officially hit the ice.

The No. 1 pick of the 2026 NHL Draft took his rookie lap at Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday, before the Toronto Maple Leafs host the Montreal Canadiens (7 p.m. ET; TVAS, SN) for both teams' season openers.

The forward is set to make his NHL debut with Toronto.

“It’s going to be a special moment for me and my family, and obviously it's going to be the game I remember most,” McKenna told Maple Leafs reporter Ryan Leslie before the game.

McKenna will have family and friends in the crowd for the special debut.

“It almost gives me chills thinking about it,” McKenna said.

After his warmup lap, the 18-year-old got a strong ovation from the Toronto faithful during his introduction.