Maple Leafs prospect Gavin McKenna receives top league ranking and housing plan

The NHL Network named Toronto Maple Leafs top overall draft pick Gavin McKenna the league's best prospect heading into the 2026-27 season. McKenna, an 18-year-old forward, currently participates in informal workouts in Toronto ahead of the official training camp beginning next week. To assist with his transition to the professional level, the organization arranged for the teenager to live with veteran forward John Tavares for the duration of the season. Tavares has previously hosted other young players, including Matthew Knies and Easton Cowan, in his home. Former first-overall pick Jack Hughes noted that Toronto serves as an ideal environment for the young player's development, citing the presence of experienced teammates like Auston Matthews and Tavares. McKenna leads a group of high-profile prospects including Porter Martone and Anton Frondell as the team prepares to start the new campaign.

• 10:11 PMYahoo Sports — 2 Major Updates For Maple Leafs Top Pick Gavin McKenna