Entering the NHL as a consensus first-overall selection carries an exceptional burden, but doing so under the relentless media microscope of Toronto is a whole different animal.
As 2026 first-overall pick Gavin McKenna prepares for his inaugural camp with the Maple Leafs, two players who know Canadian markets best weighed in on what lies ahead for the phenom.
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Zach Hyman, who broke into the league alongside Auston Matthews in 2016, pointed out that McKenna enters the organization with a structural advantage few top picks ever get: direct access to a captain who has already walked every step of that exact path.
“I think he’s got a great mentor in Auston,” Hyman said, speaking at his annual charity golf tournament on Monday. “I mean, Auston’s been through it. He’s the first overall pick. He’s grown so much as a person and as a player, and no better person to guide him than Auston. So I don’t know Gavin personally, but he’s in good hands.”
Matthews arrived in Toronto a decade ago with immense external expectations, managing to transition into a Hart Trophy winner, Rocket Richard recipient, and now in his current role as the team leader. For McKenna, having a teammate who understands the exact pressures of being a franchise savior in Southern Ontario should prove invaluable
Connor McDavid, who grew up in Newmarket, dealt with similar generational hype when he was drafted first overall in 2015, acknowledged the unique market demands awaiting McKenna while reiterating the importance of internal support.
“I don’t know much about him. I haven’t paid attention all that much, to be honest,” McDavid admitted candidly. “Seems like he’s a good kid. He’ll have his hands full in Toronto, but it seems like he’s prepared for it. He’ll have a good support system there too with obviously Auston. He’ll have lots of support around, so it should be fun.”
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Navigating the market requires thick skin, off-ice discipline, and clear boundaries. With Matthews anchoring the top line and leading the room, McKenna won’t be asked to bear the weight of the franchise alone from day one
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