Leafs’ Gavin McKenna Reveals True Thoughts On Connor McDavid

October 25, 2026 - 10:23

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers meet Saturday night at Rogers Place, and for rookie forward Gavin McKenna the game carries extra meaning. It marks the first time in his young career that he will share the ice with Oilers captain Connor McDavid, a player he has looked up to for years.

McKenna has spent time training with McDavid during the summer, an experience that left a lasting impression on the young forward. Even after those sessions, he remains in awe of what McDavid can do on the ice. Facing him in a real game is a different challenge entirely, and McKenna did not hide his admiration when asked about the matchup.

The rookie's comments reflect the respect many young players feel toward McDavid, who has long been considered one of the best in the game. For McKenna, Saturday's game is a chance to measure himself against a player he grew up watching and learning from.

Toronto and Edmonton both enter the contest looking to build momentum early in the season. While the spotlight will fall on McDavid as usual, McKenna's first head to head meeting with his offseason mentor adds an intriguing storyline to watch.