Gavin McKenna spoke to reporters on Thursday, June 25, before the 2026 NHL Draft in Buffalo. He shared his thoughts on the possibility of being selected first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs, and the fans got divided in the comments.

The draft is set for Friday, June 26, at KeyBank Center, the same arena where Toronto picked Auston Matthews first overall almost a decade ago. Sportsnet shared a clip of McKenna's interview on X on June 25. 

"It doesn't really feel real, but it's pretty cool," said McKenna when asked about his feelings after a fan was already spotted at a Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres playoff game wearing a Maple Leafs jersey with Gavin McKenna's name on it.

He explained how surreal it is to become the top selection in one of hockey's most anticipated drafts in years.

"Toronto has such a big and passionate fan base. If I do get drafted there, I'd be pumped," he said. 

The 18-year-old entered the draft as a top-ranked North American skater according to the NHL Central Scouting. McKenna first debuted in the Western Hockey League with the Medicine Hat Tigers at 14. He recorded four assists in his first game. 

He then became second in the entire Canadian Hockey League, scoring 129 points in 2024-25 before deciding to play at Penn State. This was where he scored 51 points in 35 games. 

While Toronto is yet to finalize the decision, fans shared their takes.

Fans split over McKenna's Toronto remarks

McKenna's comments landed differently with the fans, and they were pretty quick to share their takes.

Some acknowledged the passion that came with playing in Toronto, "Gotta be passionate to still be a fan after 59 years without a cup," one commenter wrote. The Maple Leafs last won the Stanley Cup in 1967.

Others were less optimistic about McKenna’s arrival as a Leaf. "Wait until McKenna experiences enough failure, he's gonna want out of this dumpster fire. I'm shocked Matthews wants to stay with a dumpster fire," another comment read.

"He'll change his tune when the s*** Toronto media turns on him," one fan attempted to predict that playing for the Maple Leafs would be difficult for him, given the pressure of the title drought.

Another fan mentioned that there are many other teams or cities that would be more appealing because they come with less intense media scrutiny than Toronto.

"Lies. All the other beautiful places to live and play without the daily pressure from the media, I can think of 31 other places he really wants to go. He's PR trained, that's for sure," read the comment.

The reactions were less about McKenna himself and more about playing in Toronto.

What do you think of the enthusiasm McKenna has shown for playing in Toronto? Let us know in the comments.

Read more at NHL Fan Central.

Written by

Aadhya Nalla

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar