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

Wayne Gretzky praises Maple Leafs' Gavin McKenna after debut performance

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 2, 2026, 8:37 AM

Last updated Oct 2, 2026

Wayne Gretzky praises Maple Leafs' Gavin McKenna after debut performance

Summary

Wayne Gretzky commended Toronto Maple Leafs’ No. 1 overall pick Gavin McKenna for his composure amid the pressure of being a first-round selection. McKenna made his NHL debut in a game against the Montreal Canadiens, logging 15:19 but finishing minus-2 in a 3-2 loss. Gretzky noted McKenna's maturity for his age and suggested he has the potential to succeed in the league. The young forward had impressive stats in junior hockey, with 41 goals and 129 points last season. McKenna expressed eagerness to improve after his first game.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Gavin McKenna made his NHL debut on October 1 against Montreal.
•He played 15:19, finished minus-2, and had one shot.
•Wayne Gretzky praised McKenna's maturity and composure.
•McKenna scored 41 goals and 129 points last season in junior hockey.
•Maple Leafs are expected to be a stronger team this year.

Latest Updates

8:37 AMYahoo Sports — Wayne Gretzky drops honest assessment of Maple Leafs’ Gavin McKenna

What they're saying

"
Wayne Gretzky has watched plenty of young players arrive with the weight of a country on them. He thinks Gavin McKenna is carrying his better than most. The NHL’s all-time leading scorer offered a detailed take on the Toronto Maple Leaf’s No. 1 overall pick, starting with an acknowledgment of the circumstances . “There’s a lot of pressure when you […] The post Wayne Gretzky drops honest assessment of Maple Leafs’ Gavin McKenna appeared first on ClutchPoints.
— Yahoo Sports

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