Gavin McKenna scores first NHL goal, says moment topped being selected first overall

Toronto Maple Leafs rookie Gavin McKenna scored his first career NHL goal and recorded his first assist in a 5-4 overtime victory against the Nashville Predators. The 2026 first overall pick snapped a shot past Juuse Saros in the second period after earlier assisting on a John Tavares goal. Following the game, McKenna stated that scoring his first goal surpassed the feeling of being drafted first overall.

The milestone performance marked McKenna's first points in the NHL after going scoreless in his opening three appearances. Auston Matthews assisted on McKenna's goal before scoring the game-winner with 14 seconds left in overtime. McKenna announced he plans to send the milestone puck home to his family in Whitehorse, Yukon.