Jun 26, 2026; Buffalo, New York, USA; Gavin McKenna poses with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and singer Justin Bieber after being selected with the first pick in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

Gavin McKenna on Toronto: ‘I can’t wait to finally call this place home’

Jul 5, 2026, 4:12 AM CUT

Gavin McKenna, 18, became a part of the Toronto Maple Leafs roster for the upcoming 2026-27 season and beyond after signing a three-year, entry-level contract on July 3.

Since being selected the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft on June 26, McKenna has been quite busy. On Saturday, July 4, he was questioned about his favorite part of staying in Toronto on the sidelines of the Maple Leafs development camp at the Ford Performance Centre.

“I think just how cool the environment is around the city. Obviously, it’s a little different right now with the World Cup and stuff, but it’s been amazing,” said McKenna after reacting with delight at the question.

Dec 31, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, UNITED STATES; Canada forward Gavin McKenna (9) in action against Finland during the second period in group play during the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship at 3M Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

“The buzz around the city has been amazing. I can’t wait to finally call this place home,” the Canadian further remarked, as per the video shared on the YouTube channel of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The 18-year-old forward is on a $3.23 million deal with the Maple Leafs, with a cap hit of $1.075 million, excluding bonuses, which could reach $3.5 million.

Notably, in the last few weeks, Toronto has hosted six matches at the FIFA World Cup 2026, including five group-stage games and one round-of-32 clash. McKenna has managed to attend two of those games at the Toronto Stadium despite his busy schedule.

The Whitehorse, Yukon, native first watched Croatia beat Panama 1-0 in a Group L clash last month on June 23. In the second of those games, on July 2, which was the Round of 32 contest, he witnessed Portugal defeat Croatia 2-1 in a come-from-behind act.

Prior to the FIFA World Cup game on July 2, McKenna was working hard with fellow prospects at the development camp of the Maple Leafs.

Gavin McKenna describes first experience in the Maple Leafs development camp

Gavin McKenna took the ice for the first time in a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey on July 2, on the first day of their development camp in his familiar 72 jersey number.

“When you're out there, it's pretty easy to be dialed in,” said McKenna about his first taste of the development camp at the Fort Performance Centre, as per NHL.com. “It's the game I've played my entire life. So, when I'm out there, I'm having fun, I feel comfortable and confident.”

The youngster also alluded to how he plans to build his life outside the sport of hockey.

“And then, off the ice, you kind of want to let go and hang out with your buddies and get to know everyone,” he remarked. “Just enjoy the city and the time I got here.”

While McKenna has a lot of responsibility on his shoulders after signing an entry-level contract with the Maple Leafs, his credentials are second to none. In his freshman year with the Penn State Nittany Lions during the 2025-26 season, he scored 51 points (15G / 36A) in just 35 games.

He was named a top 10 finalist for the prestigious Hobey Baker Award, which is given to the top men’s hockey player in the NCAA.

It will be interesting to see whether Gavin McKenna rises to the expectations of the Toronto Maple Leafs front office.

Written by

Arjun Sharma

Edited by

Yash Kotak