Gavin McKenna says he would be honoured if Maple Leafs drafted him first overall

Toronto Maple Leafs won the draft lottery and will pick first overall at the NHL Entry Draft next month. Gavin McKenna expressed excitement about hearing his name called and described Toronto as an amazing place. Scouts largely expect McKenna to be the selection, though debate remains because Ivar Stenberg is making a strong case through World Championship performance. McKenna chose to leave the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers and move to Penn State to challenge himself at the college level. He said the transition was difficult because college hockey features heavier, faster players and stronger defensive play. He reported regaining confidence after World Juniors and improving as the season progressed despite injuries and frequent line changes.

"Since the Leafs won the draft lottery, a furious debate has ensued as to who they will choose to add to their roster which already possesses the likes of Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and John Tavares. Although the consensus among scouts is that McKenna will be the player that the Leafs end up choosing, the jury remains out that he is the best player available as Ivar Stenberg is making a case with his performance at the World Championships."

"“Obviously, it's the biggest hockey market in the world, so that'd be pretty cool,” he said. “I'd be very honoured. I hear good things about Toronto, and I've talked to some people. It sounds like an amazing place, so it'd be cool.”"

"While McKenna could have easily opted to remain with the WHL's Medicine Hat Tigers and dominate, he opted to challenge himself by moving to Penn State and playing at the college ranks. His draft year was far from smooth sailing, but he feels making the move was the right decision as he experienced a lot of growth and changes in transitioning to the next phase of his career."

"McKenna felt college hockey was far different from what he had experienced, with heavier and faster players that have a higher defensive acumen compared to the skill and openness of the WHL. While he acknowledged that it took him a bit to get used to the style of play, he felt he got better as the season rolled on."

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