Why Was Gavin McKenna Benched? Jim Hiller Takes the Blame

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Jim Hiller accepted responsibility for benching rookie Gavin McKenna during a 5-4 overtime loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday night at Scotiabank Arena. Hiller stated the benching was due to bench-management issues following consecutive penalties rather than the 18-year-old's performance. McKenna logged a career-low 6:36 of ice time and did not play after midway through the second period.

Hiller explained that he felt it would be unfair to insert McKenna back onto the ice after he sat for over 30 minutes, though he acknowledged he should have deployed him at the start of the third period. The benching ended McKenna's four-game point streak, leaving the 2026 first overall pick with five points in eight games this season.