Gavin McKenna already knows exactly what he'd steal from Auston Matthews. 

Toronto's No. 1 overall pick named his captain's shot as the one skill he wishes he had. McKenna will center Toronto's top line this season, and Matthews will be right beside him as his new captain. 

He shared this during an NHL rookie roundtable this week. Reporters get to ask top rookies which attribute they'd take from any player in the league.

McKenna didn't hesitate. "Auston Matthews' shot," McKenna said as per a post on X. "Just his release and the power he has on it. He can kind of score from anywhere. That's something I would love to have."

Their bond started long before his draft-night selection. After his selection, McKenna revealed he had already played as Matthews in EA Sports NHL video games. He even went on to call Matthews' virtual shot "overpowered" and admitted he always tried to pick him.

After the draft, Matthews sent McKenna a video message to welcome him to Toronto. "We're all working to write the next great chapter together," Matthews told him, "and you're going to be a very important part of that." 

Ever since then, the two have stayed close. McKenna even said that Matthews has been "an open book" in offering advice on handling pressure in a team like Toronto's.

McKenna also talked about  Macklin Celebrini, for pushing his training this summer. But even then, it's Matthews' shot that stood out for him.

Matthews has led the NHL in goals multiple times, by 53 points on 27 goals and 26 assists in 60 games. It was later cut short by injury, and his powerful shots let him score from different angles easily. 

For a young playmaker like McKenna, learning such skills from within the locker-room could speed up his own development.

McKenna's path to the showcase

While McKenna settles into Toronto, he was expected to play in the NHLPA Rookie Showcase. But he went on to tell The Hockey News his participation is still "up in the air." He also hasn't finalized his living arrangements in the city yet.

Recent Leafs prospects like Easton Cowan and Fraser Minten used opportunities like these to get real game experience before their rookie seasons. Without that, facing full NHL competition right away will not be easy for McKenna.

Toronto will not have any problem with this going forward. According to the Hockey Patrol, the team added forwards like Nick Paul, Teddy Blueger, and Brandon Duhaime this summer to partly support and protect McKenna as he adjusts to the new pace. 

Their coach, Jim Hiller, will also have less time to decide where to put McKenna in the lineup before the next season begins. Still, McKenna is set to debut for the Maple Leafs this October, and we will finally get to watch him play alongside Matthews.

Do you think McKenna will play in the Rookie Showcase? And how much of Matthews' shot do you think he can actually pick up this season? Let us know in the comments below.

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Written by

Aadhya Nalla

Edited by

Kaamna Dwivedi