Gavin McKenna joins Auston Matthews and John Tavares in a rare Maple Leafs first-overall trio

Gavin McKenna joins John Tavares and Auston Matthews as first overall picks under contract marking a rare feat for the Maple Leafs trio.

Drafted first overall in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, Gavin McKenna is a talent who can be a cornerstone player in the franchise and is set to join a lineup already filled with star power like Auston Matthews, John Tavares, William Nylander, and Matthew Knies.

Though it's been debated on where he should start when the regular season opens up, the Maple Leafs will get a chance to see how he gels when he likely takes part in his first preseason game on Sept 19, though reports have stated the team would like to see how the partnership between McKenna and Matthews plays out.

McKenna already has two teammates who know how to live up to the pressure

Though in joining the Maple Leafs, McKenna also gives them the distinction of having a pretty rare group of talent. With Matthews and Tavares, that would mark the third first overall pick in the lineup with Tavares coming in 2009 with the New York Islanders and Matthews in 2016.

Both players understand the pressures and expectations of being not only a first overall pick, but were both thrust into the spotlight right away. Their experience can help guide McKenna through the ebbs and flows of being a top prospect, and they can take off unneeded pressure from the rookie.

Also, both Tavares and Matthews conduct themselves professionally and calmly when faced with the media, and if there's anyone who is going to be pressed on a per-game basis it's McKenna and Matthews has already been in contact with him to discuss how things may play out in Toronto.

Toronto also has Mats Sundin as their Senior Executive Advisor, and Wendel Clark as a Team Ambassador with both men also being first overall picks - so there's even more guidance and support for McKenna provided from two Maple Leafs icons as TSN's Craig Button also noted.

Though he's more than capable of doing things on his own, McKenna is quickly going to learn he doesn't have to, and there's more than enough resources at his disposal to quell any fears or answer any questions he may have.

Toronto can use three generations of #1 talent without asking McKenna to carry the team

With Matthews already the established franchise star, and Tavares as the veteran leader who can still contribute at a high level - McKenna doesn't need to do it on his own.

Instead of building the team around him and focusing on him as the main offensive driver, he can be a supplement to the offence instead before transitioning into a bigger focal point after he's gained experience.

The benefit of being in Toronto is that his development isn't related solely on how many points he gets or if he can lead the offence because he has support. He can focus on improving and understanding the NHL level while his raw talent can help carry him statistically.

It's less about the Maple Leafs trying to find the best group to support McKenna while he drives the offence and more about how his talent can help elevate an already potent lineup while still developing into that franchise leader.

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