Image credit : @Kato Dumas-Pelletier on Facebook
A new era begins for the Toronto Maple Leafs and their supporters with the franchise’s most highly sought-after acquisition since captain Auston Matthews was selected 10 years ago (NHL.com), as top overall pick Gavin McKenna was officially called up to the NHL and on the ice for the first time at Scotiabank Arena.
At his spectacular college hockey year at Penn State, McKenna inked his three-year contract, which is well-earned in July. As the definitive prospect, McKenna displayed all his elite creativity and speed at training camp and pre-season games in September. Playing on an offensively oriented line with a talented, proven veteran core, the 19-year-old winger showed intelligence and composure well beyond his years. The way he controlled the puck at high speed, moved around opponents in tight defensive situations, and created many rush scoring opportunities for himself all had the home crowd electrified (The Athletic).
In his debut, McKenna demonstrated he was quick on his feet and could handle the breakneck pace of the big league game. Maple Leafs bench boss and brass said he was a perfect fit for the team system, a player who was an offensive-minded player with hard work along the boards. As he was considered a top contender to win the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league’s top rookie, this is a career move for McKenna and the Maple Leafs as they try to win the Stanley Cup. The first game is done for Canadian hockey fans, and everyone can be happy about seeing the newest great rookie in the game for the season (Squawka).
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