How Gavin McKenna’s play without the puck is improving for Maple Leafs

Rookie's hustle on the backcheck versus Colorado notable as forward makes strides on road trip

Toronto Sun

Published: Sunday, 11 October 2026 at 7:28 PM

Key Things to Know

Gavin McKenna is earning praise for his developing defensive awareness and off-puck play with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
McKenna forced a key turnover on Colorado's Josh Manson that directly led to an Auston Matthews goal.
Head coach Jim Hiller praised the 18-year-old rookie's durability during difficult consecutive road games.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Toronto Maple Leafs rookie Gavin McKenna is showing notable defensive growth away from the puck through his first six games. During Saturday's 6-3 victory over the Colorado Avalanche, the 2026 first-overall pick executed a crucial backcheck to dispossess Josh Manson, setting up a sequence that led to an Auston Matthews goal.

Leafs head coach Jim Hiller commended the 18-year-old forward for withstanding physical back-to-back road tests while building a three-game point streak. Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs await an official medical update on top defenseman Chris Tanev, who exited Saturday's game in the first period with an upper-body injury.

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How Gavin McKenna’s play without the puck is improving for Maple Leafs

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