Gavin McKenna Eyes Auston Matthews Line After Going No. 1 to Maple Leafs
Updated
Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jun 27
Gavin McKenna Eyes Auston Matthews Line After Going No. 1 to Maple Leafs
3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jun 27
Summary
No. 1 pick Gavin McKenna said his goal is to earn a spot alongside Auston Matthews, calling himself a playmaker who could complement the Maple Leafs captain’s shooting.
Friday’s selection in Buffalo made official what Toronto’s May lottery win had set up, with the Maple Leafs using the top pick on the draft’s highest-rated prospect.
September training camp will determine McKenna’s immediate role under new coach Jim Hiller, with options ranging from Matthews’ first line to a second unit with John Tavares.
Toronto’s unusual landing spot for a top pick reflects last season’s collapse — the club missed the playoffs for the first time in a decade before jumping to No. 1 in the lottery.