Leafs coach Hiller on McKenna benching: ‘Probably should’ve got him out’ in third period

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Jim Hiller took responsibility for benching rookie winger Gavin McKenna during a game against the Buffalo Sabres. McKenna did not play after midway through the second period, finishing with 6:36 of ice time across nine shifts. Hiller explained that McKenna sat out during a sequence of penalties and admitted he probably should have put the rookie back on the ice during the third period.

The Maple Leafs ultimately lost to the Sabres 5-4 in overtime after Buffalo rallied from a deficit. McKenna, selected first overall in 2026, entered the matchup with five points in his first eight NHL games. Daily Faceoff noted that Hiller's decision appeared to stem from bench management issues, though it remained possible the coach chose to address any on-ice concerns privately.