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Gavin McKenna to make NHL preseason debut for Maple Leafs Saturday

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 19, 2026, 3:07 PM

Last updated Sep 19, 2026

Gavin McKenna to make NHL preseason debut for Maple Leafs Saturday

Summary

Gavin McKenna, the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, will debut with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night against the Montreal Canadiens at Scotiabank Arena. After missing the Prospect Challenge, McKenna will skate alongside veteran John Tavares and star winger William Nylander. He had a standout freshman season at Penn State, recording 51 points in 35 games, and previously excelled in the WHL, where he was named CHL Player of the Year. The preseason game is one of two split-squad matches between the teams on Saturday, with the Toronto game beginning at 7 p.m. ET.

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By the Numbers

•McKenna was drafted first overall in June 2026.
•He missed the Prospect Challenge due to earlier commitments.
•Toronto's lineup includes notable players like Auston Matthews and Chris Tanev.
•The game is part of a two-way split-squad preseason matchup.
•Toronto hosts Montreal at Scotiabank Arena starting at 7 p.m. ET.

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