Gavin McKenna makes NHL debut in Maple Leafs' loss to Canadiens
ESPN NHL • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 30, 2026, 6:01 AM
Last updated Sep 30, 2026
Gavin McKenna, the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, made his NHL debut on September 29 when the Toronto Maple Leafs faced the Montreal Canadiens. The season opener ended with the Maple Leafs losing 3-2. McKenna expressed satisfaction after the game, saying it was good to get his first game done. The performance marks an important step in McKenna's career as he transitions to the NHL.
- •Toronto Maple Leafs played against the Montreal Canadiens
- •The final score was 3-2 in favor of Montreal
- •Gavin McKenna is 18 years old and the top draft pick
- •McKenna confirmed his enthusiasm post-game about his debut
- •This match marked the start of the NHL season
- 6:35 AMESPN NHL — No. 1 overall pick McKenna, 18, makes NHL debut in Leafs' loss
"No. 1 overall pick Gavin McKenna, 18, made his NHL debut Tuesday night, when the Toronto Maple Leafs fell to the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 in the season opener, and he told reporters after the loss that "to get that first one under my belt, it feels good."
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