Gavin McKenna cannot wait to call Toronto home

Gavin McKenna has only been in Toronto a week but the atmosphere and buzz around the city has made him want to call it home for the foreseeable future.

The Toronto Maple Leafs were lucky enough to win the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft and with that they drafted Gavin McKenna. He was a consensus #1 choice in the draft and his uber-talented nature coupled with his humble and kind-hearted nature makes him the perfect person to wear the blue and white.

He's already got the entire fanbase excited for what he can do, he's been the centre of attention in terms of Toronto's other festivities including throwing out the first pitch in a Toronto Blue Jays game and also taking in a couple of intense contests during the 2026 World Cup.

Gavin McKenna is taking in all Toronto has to offer before settling into his new home

But through the fun summer activities, and development camp picking up, McKenna is most looking forward to getting acclimated in the city and making himself comfortable. Speaking with the media after dev camp broke, McKenna was thrilled about getting the chance to make Toronto his new home:

[About Toronto] I just think how cool the environment is, it's different with the World Cup but it's been amazing. Went to a couple games, a Jays game, seeing the buzz around the city has been amazing and I can't wait to call this place home.

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McKenna already talked about how the fanbase was pretty kind toward him already and that he was getting attention before he was even drafted, and it seems to go along with how the rest of the Maple Leafs are treated in town; beloved and respected.

The Maple Leafs are certainly just as thrilled to have McKenna in town and the fact that he is so willing to get involved in the city is a huge plus. His marketability is already through the roof, and if he loves the city already then it may not be long before he's the face of Toronto and someone who truly bleeds blue and white.

All the pieces are falling into place for the Maple Leafs and Gavin McKenna

From getting the ball to drop to win the lottery, to visiting Whitehorse to talk to McKenna personally, to the rookie being over the moon about joining Toronto and his clear love for the city - it's all coming together.

Toronto didn't necessarily expect to be in this position but they are not going to complain and the hard work they have put in to not only convince McKenna they are the right place to be, but that they view him as the centrepiece of the franchise in the near future can't be overlooked.

While this was always going to be the pick, it feels like the right one. Nothing against Ivar Stenberg, but McKenna clearly already has a heart for Toronto and is only going to become an integral part of the community as he plays year after year.

Don't be surprised to see him start getting into more charitable endeavours and follow in the footsteps of his teammates like John Tavares.

It speaks to the nature of his character. Not only is he aware of the immense pressure and high expectations placed on him but also how important his place in the lineup is. A whole city is depending on him to be a huge part of winning a Stanley Cup and if he does that, then not only will he find himself quite comfortable in the city...

But he'll be an absolute legend who will live on throughout history.

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