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Connor McDavid praises Maple Leafs' first overall pick Gavin McKenna

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 28, 2026, 12:54 AM

Last updated Jul 28, 2026

Connor McDavid praises Maple Leafs' first overall pick Gavin McKenna

Summary

Connor McDavid commented on Toronto Maple Leafs' first overall selection Gavin McKenna during the 2026 NHL Draft. McKenna, who impressed at Penn State with 15 goals and 31 assists in 36 games, is expected to earn a roster spot in Training Camp. After the Maple Leafs missed the playoffs for the first time in a decade, winning the draft lottery represented a key offseason highlight. McDavid described McKenna as "a good kid" and expressed confidence in his ability to handle the challenges of playing in a major market with support from established players like Auston Matthews. Matthews also welcomed McKenna with a congratulatory message following the draft announcement.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Toronto Maple Leafs selected Gavin McKenna first overall in 2026 NHL Draft
•McKenna had a standout freshman year at Penn State
•McDavid noted McKenna's readiness for the media pressure
•Auston Matthews welcomed McKenna with a video message
•Maple Leafs missed playoffs for the first time in 10 years

Latest Updates

12:54 AMYahoo Sports — Connor McDavid Didn’t Hold Back When Asked About Maple Leafs’ Gavin McKenna

What they're saying

"
For the first time in 10 years, the Toronto Maple Leafs missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and it resulted in a sweeping series of changes both on the ice, on the bench, and in the front office.However, one of the major highlights of the Maple Leafs offseason was winning the NHL Draft Lottery. Coincidently, the […] The post Connor McDavid Didn’t Hold Back When Asked About Maple Leafs’ Gavin McKenna appeared first on HEAVY.
— Yahoo Sports

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