Gavin McKenna Reacts to Benching by Maple Leafs HC Jim Hiller

Toronto Maple Leafs rookie forward Gavin McKenna addressed being benched for the third period and overtime by head coach Jim Hiller during Thursday's 5-4 overtime loss to the Buffalo Sabres. Hiller stated after the game that he essentially forgot to put McKenna back on the ice. McKenna noted they had a good conversation where Hiller reassured him the benching was not performance-related, keeping the rookie's confidence intact.

McKenna acknowledged that sitting out was frustrating and marked the first benching of his hockey career, but he used the opportunity to study veteran teammates. The 2026 No. 1 overall pick has recorded two goals and five points through eight games, remaining the Calder Memorial Trophy favorite as he steps into an expanded role on the top power-play unit.