Photo via Yahoo Sports

Top draft pick Gavin McKenna picks up first NHL goal, assist for Toronto against Predators

The Toronto Maple Leafs’ first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, forward Gavin McKenna, finally broke through in his rookie season with his first career NHL goal and assist in a win over the Nashville Predators. After three scoreless games and early scrutiny over his production and practice attendance, McKenna’s breakout performance came as the Maple Leafs looked to rebound from a slow start to the season, sitting at 1-2-0 through their first three games.

The team’s head coach, Jim Hiller, and alternate captain John Tavares had previously praised McKenna’s potential, though his early struggles had drawn criticism from fans and media alike. The milestone arrival of McKenna’s first point marks a turning point for the highly anticipated rookie, who now faces the challenge of living up to the expectations set by Toronto’s draft lottery victory in 2026—the first time the franchise had won the lottery since 2016.

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