Gavin McKenna on Possible Move to Toronto: “It Would Be a Great Honor”

One of the leading candidates to be selected first overall in the 2026 NHL Draft, Canadian forward Gavin McKenna, has commented on the possibility of joining the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Toronto holds the first overall pick in the upcoming draft, which has fueled speculation that McKenna could become the club’s next major long-term project.

The young forward did not hide that a potential move to Toronto would mean a lot to him.

“This is the biggest hockey market in the world, so it would be great. It would be a great honor for me. I’ve heard a lot of good things about Toronto. I’ve talked to some people, and it sounds like an amazing place,” McKenna said, according to Sportskeeda.

The 18-year-old spent the 2025/26 season in the NCAA, playing for the University of Pennsylvania. In 35 games, he recorded 51 points, scoring 15 goals and adding 36 assists, once again confirming his status as one of the most talented players of his generation.

McKenna has long been in the spotlight of scouts and analysts, with his potential attracting serious attention from clubs looking to build their future around a young franchise player.

Toronto finished the previous regular season 15th in the Eastern Conference with 78 points, so the arrival of a player of McKenna’s profile could mark the beginning of a new stage in the team’s development.

The 2026 NHL Draft is therefore set to be especially important both for the Maple Leafs and for McKenna himself, who could take the first major step toward a star professional career.