League: NHL Sport: Hockey Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Gavin McKenna receives promotion to first line with Maple Leafs

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 29, 2026, 2:24 AM

Last updated Oct 29, 2026

Gavin McKenna receives promotion to first line with Maple Leafs

Summary

Gavin McKenna has been promoted to the first line of the Toronto Maple Leafs for their upcoming game against the Seattle Kraken. The rookie forward, who was selected first overall in the NHL Draft by the Maple Leafs, is stepping into the role following an injury to teammate Kirill Marchenko. McKenna has shown promise in his first season, with three goals and five assists in 14 games. Head coach Jim Hiller expressed hope that McKenna feels comfortable playing alongside captain Auston Matthews, essential for transitioning into a larger role in the team’s lineup.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Gavin McKenna promoted to first line against Seattle Kraken on October 29, 2026.
•McKenna was the first overall pick in the NHL Draft.
•He has three goals and five assists in 14 games this season.
•Promotion follows an injury to forward Kirill Marchenko.
•Coach Jim Hiller hopes McKenna adapts well to playing with Matthews.

Latest Updates

2:24 AMYahoo Sports — Gavin McKenna Earns Major Maple Leafs Promotion

What they're saying

"
For the first time since 2016, the Toronto Maple Leafs won the NHL Draft Lottery earlier this spring and used the pick on Penn State Nittany Lions forward Gavin McKenna, who was regarded as the consensus first overall selection.And while there have been some natural growing pains, as is the case with most first-year NHL […] The post Gavin McKenna Earns Major Maple Leafs Promotion appeared first on HEAVY.
— Yahoo Sports

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