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
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
Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Gavin McKenna attended the Portugal-Croatia Round of 32 World Cup match at Toronto's BMO Field on Thursday, July 2. And for the NHL player, the match was memorable for more reasons than just Portugal's victory.
Two days later, on Saturday, after the rookie's first development camp for the Maple Leafs, he shared his World Cup experience with reporters. He revealed that rapper Drake was just a few sections away in the stands, but he failed to get his attention.
When asked about his favorite moment this busy week, which included a contract signing as well, McKenna replied:
"Probably that Portugal game. It was an insane game. I think we had Drake four suites down from us. So pretty cool game, and yeah, when that goal got called off, it was ridiculous in there. So really cool environment."
Oct 4, 2025; Tempe, AZ, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions forward Gavin McKenna (72) skates against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the third period at Mullett Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Oct 4, 2025; Tempe, AZ, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions forward Gavin McKenna (72) skates against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the third period at Mullett Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
When he was asked directly whether he managed to interact with Drake, McKenna kept it blunt and honest.
"I tried to wave; he didn't look at me, yeah," the 18-year-old said in a video of the media availability shared by Toronto Maple Leafs on YouTube.
McKenna was far from the only notable NHL face that day in the stadium. Maple Leafs captain John Tavares also attended in a Portugal jersey, while Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes wore a Ronaldo jersey.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was also spotted in the crowd sitting with his wife, Hailey Summers, and Canadian singer Nelly Furtado, who holds Portuguese heritage through her parents, were in the field as well.
Toronto contract "means the world" to Gavin McKenna
The World Cup came in during one of the busiest stretches for McKenna. He was officially signed to an entry-level contract with the Maple Leafs on July 3, a week after being drafted No. 1 overall.
It was a three-year deal, which is worth $3.225 million. It also has a $1.075 million cap hit that can rise to $4.575 million once the performance bonuses of $3.5 million per year are included.
McKenna confirmed that he will wear No. 92 as a rookie. He wore No. 72 throughout his junior and college career, but handed that number to the newly signed goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, who has worn it for his last 14 NHL seasons.
During the aforementioned media availability, McKenna said about the contract:
"It means the world to me. It's a big step in my career, so to have my family there and experience it with them is pretty special."
Bobrovsky, too, appreciated the gesture.
"He gave that number to me," Bobrovsky said via TSN reporter Mark Masters on X. "We had a little chat. He's a bright guy. He's got really positive energy. I'm excited to watch him develop into a big superstar in this league."
Gavin McKenna is expected to play an important role as Toronto tries to make a comeback after missing the playoffs for the first time in a decade last season.
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Written by
Aadhya Nalla
Edited by
Yash Kotak