Home » Sports » NHL » Toronto Maple Leafs

Gavin McKenna Earns Major Maple Leafs Promotion

For the first time since 2016, the Toronto Maple Leafs won the NHL Draft Lottery earlier this spring and used the pick on Penn State Nittany Lions forward Gavin McKenna, who was regarded as the consensus first overall selection.And while…

By Michael Whitaker · Heavy

Published: Wednesday, 28 October 2026 at 11:24 PM

Key Things to Know

Rookie Gavin McKenna has been promoted to the Toronto Maple Leafs' first line alongside Auston Matthews.
McKenna replaces forward Kirill Marchenko, who was injured during Monday's game against the Calgary Flames.
The 2026 first-overall draft pick has recorded three goals and five assists through his first 14 NHL games.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Toronto Maple Leafs rookie forward Gavin McKenna has earned a promotion to the team's first line for Wednesday's game against the Seattle Kraken. McKenna will skate alongside team captain Auston Matthews and forward Jack Roslovic after an injury to forward Kirill Marchenko during Monday's contest opened up a top-line vacancy.

McKenna, selected first overall in the 2026 NHL Draft out of Penn State, has recorded three goals and five assists in 14 games this season. Maple Leafs head coach Jim Hiller stated that he hopes the rookie feels comfortable playing alongside Matthews and focuses on executing his own game.

Read the full article on Heavy

Gavin McKenna Earns Major Maple Leafs Promotion

More Maple Leafs News

Never Miss a Sports Update