McKenna to face summer training partner Celebrini as Leafs host Sharks

Gavin McKenna is set to face Macklin Celebrini in an NHL game for the first time when the Toronto Maple Leafs host the San Jose Sharks on Monday, Oct. 19. The game at Scotiabank Arena starts at 7:30 p.m. ET.

For McKenna, the matchup brings a summer training partner onto the other bench. The Toronto rookie told NHL.com that seeing Celebrini’s ability and work ethic up close had helped motivate him as he prepared to enter the league.

Toronto selected McKenna first overall in the 2026 NHL Draft. He has played nine NHL games. Celebrini, San Jose’s captain, was the first pick in 2024 and is now in his third season.

Monday will also bring the first NHL meeting between the top two picks of the 2026 draft. San Jose forward Ivar Stenberg, selected second overall, scored his first NHL goal against Boston on Oct. 13.

McKenna enters the matchup with two goals and three assists in nine games. He played a season-high 17:56 in Saturday’s 4-1 loss to the New York Islanders, including 8:18 in the third period, and matched his season best with four shots.

The two trained together in Vancouver during the offseason. Speaking at the NHLPA Rookie Showcase in July, McKenna told The Hockey News that working alongside Celebrini had helped him establish a routine and improve. He also said he had learned from the intensity of Celebrini’s preparation on and off the ice.

Monday gives McKenna an opportunity to measure himself against the player whose summer example helped prepare him for his own first NHL season.