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Jim Hiller benches Gavin McKenna during Maple Leafs' overtime loss to Sabres

3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 16, 2026, 4:56 AM

Last updated Oct 16, 2026

Jim Hiller benches Gavin McKenna during Maple Leafs' overtime loss to Sabres

Summary

Gavin McKenna was benched for the entire third period in the Toronto Maple Leafs' 5-4 overtime loss to the Buffalo Sabres. McKenna finished with just 6:36 of ice time, the lowest of his NHL career. Coach Jim Hiller attributed the decision to a stretch of penalties and acknowledged he should have put McKenna back on the ice earlier in the third. The coaching staff now faces a decision on McKenna's future role and ice time as the season progresses.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Maple Leafs lost 5-4 in overtime to the Sabres on October 15.
•Gavin McKenna had the lowest ice time of his career at 6:36.
•Jim Hiller admitted to making a mistake in benching McKenna.
•Captain Auston Matthews expressed support for McKenna after the game.
•Future game opportunities for McKenna are uncertain following this decision.

Latest Updates

4:56 AMYahoo Sports — Maple Leafs coach takes blame for benching Gavin McKenna in OT loss
2:39 AMYahoo Sports — 'That Was My Decision': Maple Leafs' Coach Jim Hiller Admits To Mistake, Explains Benching Gavin McKenna Against Sabres
2:38 AMYahoo Sports — Gavin McKenna's nightmare start in Toronto takes another turn after Jim Hiller benches him tonight

What they're saying

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Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Jim Hiller explains why he benched rookie Gavin McKenna for about half of the game in a 5-4 overtime loss to the Buffalo Sabres.
— Yahoo Sports