Gavin McKenna's gaining hype should terrify Maple Leafs' fans

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Gavin McKenna's gaining hype should terrify Maple Leafs' fans originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Toronto Maple Leafs hold on to the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, and it is shaping up to be a very strong class. With Penn State star Gavin McKenna as the consensus top pick, there is a sense that he will be a pivotal selection for the flailing franchise.

With a new General Manager in John Chayka, a new head coach to be named, and now a new superstar ot bond with captain Auston Matthews and William Nylander, there are a lot of moving parts for the Maple Leafs. As the biggest hockey market in the league, there is no way that all of these moves can possibly backfire, right?

Well, actually, there is a very big chance that they can. What if the next head coach cannot put together a championship-contending roster, or if the new GM does not make the right moves in free agency on July 1?

Or, the biggest question mark of them all, what if McKenna is a bust?

The growing hype around McKenna as the next big thing is great to see and read about, but it also builds pressure. Especially if it is leading to being a Toronto Maple Leaf, which is the equivalent of being a New York Yankee, or a Dallas Cowboy. The expectation is that you will come in and become a member immediately.

That is a lot to ask of a kid who has played only one season of Junior Hockey in Canada and then a season at the NCAA-level. Plus, if he is selected first overall, the idea is that he will be suiting up on opening night right alongside Matthews.

If McKenna does not come out and dominate, the media, and more importantly, the die-hard fans, will nail him to the wall. The Maple Leafs cannot afford another bust right now.

More NHL News:​

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  Drafting Gavin McKenna is the only option for the Maple Leafs at the 2026 NHL draft
  
  
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  Devils announce assistant coaching changes
  

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