Toronto Maple Leafs rookie Gavin McKenna has the mentality of a winter, and he made that clear on Wednesday while talking about the harsh market of Toronto.
Gavin McKenna is going into this season with some lofty expectations. He is the first overall pick in Toronto, a position last occupied by Auston Matthews. That is not an easy position to be in, and it would be easy for McKenna to get lost in the sauce.
Today, he got to speak to the media alongside Auston Matthews and John Chayka. It was here that he offered up some eye-opening comments about being part of the Leafs organization. If you had any worries about how McKenna will handle Toronto, these remarks should put you at ease.
McKenna loves it in Toronto
Gavin McKenna told reporters that there are certainly some guys out there who would crumble under the pressure provided by the Toronto market. He, on the other hand, is the opposite. Instead, he is ready to embrace it.
It's a good motivator. Some people may not like it, but for me, I see it as a blessing in disguise.
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This is exactly what you want to hear from a young rookie. It is the complete opposite of what we have heard from other young stars in Toronto, who couldn't have been more eager to get out of dodge.
Mitch Marner could never
Mitch Marner famously ran from Toronto last summer after a rough second-round playoff exit against the Florida Panthers. After signing in Las Vegas, he continuously said negative words for Toronto, blaming the fans and the media for his exit.
Since Marner's exit, the Leafs' chemistry has not been the same. However, McKenna could serve as his eventual replacement. With his current attitude, it becomes clear that McKenna has the right mindset to be successful in the city.
There are obviously no guarantees, but you can't help but smile when a kid like McKenna embraces the moment.
Will Gavin McKenna be a success in Toronto?
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