McKenna Logs 23:27 in Maple Leafs Preseason Debut
Toronto’s No. 1 pick had three shots on goal against Montreal, but the Leafs’ home split squad lost 4-1.
Gavin McKenna played 23:27 and put three shots on goal in his first preseason game for the Toronto Maple Leafs, a 4-1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday, Sept. 19. The 18-year-old was the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
McKenna played left wing alongside John Tavares and William Nylander, the same linemates he had joined at the start of training camp. Sportsnet reported that he drew the loudest ovation during the introductions and saw time on Toronto’s second power-play unit and with the team skating six attackers. He also took a hooking penalty and acknowledged a couple of turnovers after the game. Coach Jim Hiller said McKenna was involved in several scoring chances.
Darren Raddysh scored Toronto’s only goal, on a first-period power play that tied the game 1-1. Montreal pulled ahead on Maksymilian Szuber’s third-period goal before Phillip Danault scored into an empty net and Samuel Poulin added the final goal. Danault had opened the scoring 51 seconds into the game.
The clubs played simultaneous split-squad exhibitions in Toronto and Montreal. Toronto’s other group also lost 4-3 in overtime in Montreal. McKenna’s appearance followed the Leafs’ earlier announcement that he would start on a line with Tavares and Nylander.
