January 5, 2026, St. Paul, Minnesota, United States: Canada forward GAVIN McKENNA 9 reacts after scoring a goal in the third period. Canada and Finland faced off in the Bronze Medal match at the IIHF World Junior Championship on January 5th. Canada won the bronze by a score of 6-3. St. Paul United States - ZUMAt166 20260105_zsp_t166_017 Copyright: xMichaelxTurnerx
January 5, 2026, St. Paul, Minnesota, United States: Canada forward GAVIN McKENNA 9 reacts after scoring a goal in the third period. Canada and Finland faced off in the Bronze Medal match at the IIHF World Junior Championship on January 5th. Canada won the bronze by a score of 6-3. St. Paul United States - ZUMAt166 20260105_zsp_t166_017 Copyright: xMichaelxTurnerx
Gavin McKenna has entered his rookie season with some advice from someone who has been in his place before.
The New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer, who was last year's No. 1 pick, has offered him some encouraging words.
"Just enjoy it," Schaefer said at the Smilezone Celebrity Golf Tournament in Brampton on Monday, July 20, as per the video posted by TSN.
Schaefer was the first defenseman since Owen Power in 2021 to go No. 1 overall, and only the fifth blue-liner to achieve the feat since 2000.
"Obviously, he's in Toronto, and me growing up in Toronto, obviously Toronto's known for its hockey and stuff just growing up," he said per the TSN video. "Toronto's always the hot spot for tournaments and things like that. But especially hockey. So it's going to be awesome for him.”
After producing 23 goals and 36 assists in 82 games during his rookie season, Schaefer was named the NHL's Calder Trophy winner. So, having gone through the journey, he thought of guiding McKenna to survive in Toronto.
241226 Matthew Schaefer of Canada during the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship game between Finland and Canada on December 26, 2024 in Ottawa. Photo: Mathias Bergeld / BILDBYRAN / kod MB / MB1026 ishockey Ice hockey, Eishockey jvm junior-vm u20 2025 iihf world junior championship world juniors finland canada kanada 1 bbeng *** 241226 Matthew Schaefer of Canada during the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship game between Finland and Canada on December 26, 2024 in Ottawa Photo Mathias Bergeld BILDBYRAN kod MB MB1026 ishockey ice hockey jvm junior vm u20 2025 iihf world junior championship world juniors finland canada kanada 1 bbeng PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxSWExNORxFINxDEN Copyright: MATHIASxBERGELD BB241226MB136
241226 Matthew Schaefer of Canada during the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship game between Finland and Canada on December 26, 2024 in Ottawa. Photo: Mathias Bergeld / BILDBYRAN / kod MB / MB1026 ishockey Ice hockey, Eishockey jvm junior-vm u20 2025 iihf world junior championship world juniors finland canada kanada 1 bbeng *** 241226 Matthew Schaefer of Canada during the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship game between Finland and Canada on December 26, 2024 in Ottawa Photo Mathias Bergeld BILDBYRAN kod MB MB1026 ishockey ice hockey jvm junior vm u20 2025 iihf world junior championship world juniors finland canada kanada 1 bbeng PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxSWExNORxFINxDEN Copyright: MATHIASxBERGELD BB241226MB136
Schaefer is confident about McKenna living up to the expectations in Toronto.
"I've got to grow up playing with him," he added. "But at the end of the day, he's a great player. He's going to do great things. So he's going to be awesome."
McKenna joins a Leafs roster that missed the playoffs for the first time in a decade. He spent his last season at Penn State, where he scored 51 points in 35 games as a freshman. Before that, he even dominated the Western Hockey League with Medicine Hat. During the 2024-25 season, he even earned CHL Player of the Year honours.
The Maple Leafs' new general manager, John Chayka, is working on his plans to reshape the roster. McKenna is expected to be a key player as he joins the top six alongside Auston Matthews.
Schaefer already shared a similar message with McKenna in person at the draft in June. He asked him to soak in the moment with his family before the busy run of the NHL season begins.
Besides the encouraging words, Schaefer provides a reason for McKenna to push harder.
Matthew Schaefer sets the standard for Gavin McKenna
Schaefer's advice carries enough weight because of how his own rookie season went.
According to the stats from ESPN, he scored 59 points on 23 goals and 36 assists in 82 games. His 23 goals were tied to Brian Leetch's single-season record for goals by a rookie defenseman.
Looking at the recent history of first overall picks, most rookies have finished with between 60 and 70 points, with exceptions like Sidney Crosby meeting above expectations. Schaefer falling just short of that mark only adds context to how strong his rookie campaign was.
McKenna's situation could be even more favorable. With the potential to skate alongside Auston Matthews, he'll have every opportunity to pile up points. If they find instant chemistry, a 75-point rookie season is a realistic target.
Do you think McKenna can match the standard Schaefer set last season? Let us know in the comments below.
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Written by
Aadhya Nalla
Edited by
Soheli Tarafdar