Gavin McKenna makes NHL debut against Canadiens The rookie debut of 18‑year‑old Gavin McKenna for the Toronto Maple Leafs as the team opens the 2026‑27 season with a loss to the Montreal Canadiens. A few nights before his NHL debut, 18‑year‑old Gavin McKenna dreamed of his first game and recalled it as an exciting experience. The Toronto Maple Leafs opened the 2026‑27 season with a 3‑2 defeat to the Montreal Canadiens, and the highly touted first overall draft pick sat out the morning session when only a handful of Maple Leafs skated to warm up. A small number of teammates, including defender Chris Tanev, used the opportunity to stretch, but McKenna elected to skip the optional drill. Head coach Jim Hiller praised the decision as a sign of maturity, noting that the rookie could choose whether or not he needed the extra practice before the matchup.McKenna Hype Fills Team StoreThe copy‑group around the ice later that day reflected the anticipation surrounding the newcomer, as his name filled a section of the team store and even appeared on the jumbotron in a Rogers Communications advertisement with actor Michael Cera. On the day itself, a friendly McKenna joined a small group of players for a quick ice walk before the game began, while the majority of the team remained on the bench most of the morning.The rookie was given a substantial amount of ice time, 15 minutes and nineteen seconds, during which he paired with star forward William Nylander and Captain John Tavares on the second line and also played on the second power‑play unit. Although he did not score or register a point in his debut, McKenna produced a number of strong displays, highlighted by his first shot on goal-a wrist shot that was stopped by the Canadiens goalie Jakub Dobres at 1:03 of the second period.He also showcased youthful speed, with an impressive burst down the ice that had the Leafs captain Auston Matthews staring as he passed him. In a later attempt to make a daring move, the rookie tried to carry the puck through the legs of veteran defender Mike Matheson, a maneuver that was patiently disrupted. At 18 years and 283 days old, McKenna became the youngest Leafs debutant in over three decades, surpassing Drake Berehowsky's record from 1990.Chayka Sets Rookie ExpectationsThe new player brings fresh hope to the franchise, especially after the team's struggles early in the season. General manager John Chayka emphasized that expectations should be tempered, stating that the rookie will experience both highs and lows as he adapts to the NHL level, and that the organization will support him in the long run.Despite the pressure of being a top draft pick, McKenna's debut was a moment of celebration for his hometown of Whitehorse in the Yukon, where he is just the second Yukon native to play in the NHL in the 21st century. The Leafs' season starts with ambitions of building from the ground up, and McKenna's arrival is seen as a cornerstone for the future of the franchise.