Maple Leafs GM Chayka meets top prospect McKenna in Whitehorse
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 5, 2026, 11:51 PM
Last updated Jun 5, 2026
Toronto Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka traveled to Whitehorse, Yukon, to meet with Gavin McKenna, an 18-year-old forward projected to be the No. 1 pick in this month’s NHL Draft. McKenna, who left Whitehorse six years ago to pursue hockey, expressed appreciation for Chayka's visit while attending the NHL pre-draft prospects combine in Buffalo. The Maple Leafs secured the first overall pick in the upcoming draft, putting them in position to select McKenna, who has excelled at both the junior and collegiate levels. Chayka's trip highlights the importance of understanding the player beyond statistics as the draft approaches. The draft event is scheduled for June 26-27 in Buffalo.
- •Chayka visited McKenna in Whitehorse to assess his character.
- •McKenna is expected to be the No. 1 draft pick.
- •The NHL draft is set for June 26-27 in Buffalo.
- •McKenna has performed well in both WHL and NCAA play.
- •McKenna faces ongoing misdemeanor charges from a February incident.
- 11:51 PMYahoo Sports — From Whitehorse to No. 1? Maple Leafs GM Chayka travels north to meet with Gavin McKenna
"Gavin McKenna left his family and friends behind in Whitehorse, Yukon, some six years ago to pursue his NHL dream. Now, the NHL is traveling to one of Canada’s most remote regions to meet with McKenna — the 18-year-old forward projected to be the No. 1 pick in the draft later this month. “It was obviously an honor for him to come up there,” McKenna said Friday, referring to Toronto Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka’s recent trip to Whitehorse to meet with him and his family.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NHL•Sep 25, 2026, 11:23 PMNew York Rangers’ $5.5 Million Defenseman Emerges As Trade Candidate
NHL•Sep 25, 2026, 7:13 PMSharks surprise Macklin Celebrini with another honor after $94 million contract
NHL•Sep 25, 2026, 11:55 AMPuck Drop Preview: 2026-27 Washington Capitals
NHL•Sep 25, 2026, 2:14 AMToronto Maple Leafs vs Montreal Canadiens
NHL•Sep 24, 2026, 8:16 PMAZ Digest. Toronto Maple Leafs to hold open practice at Mullett Arena
NHL•Sep 24, 2026, 4:21 PMPWHL to host league's 1st All-Star Game next March in Toronto