A clip of Gavin McKenna dirt biking raises some questions regarding the risks the Maple Leafs are willing to allow their first overall pick to participate in.
Recent video surfaced that showed McKenna enjoying some of his summer by doing some off-roading in a sand dune that showed the rookie in just a helmet and jeans as he glided around:
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It's safe to say that between taking GM John Chayka out on an ATV ride and this latest dirt biking clip - McKenna shares off-roading as a huge passion and shows off a bit more of a wild side to his typically humble nature.
Though this does bring into question a bit of a concerning issue that the Maple Leafs may need to address. There's nothing to show that McKenna is going to be completely safe during some of these more extreme ventures and there's always a risk of potential injury. This clip was before the season even started, and one accident could lead to a catastrophic start to the year for Toronto.
The team doesn't necessarily have to bar McKenna from doing any of this stuff though they may ask him to tone it down for the future. Obviously anything can happen out of the blue regardless of activity but dirt biking and ATV'ing are two passions that come with more risks than some.
Toronto can't force McKenna out of his element though
But therein lies the issue too. Toronto doesn't want to cause any tension with their top prospect especially before he's even stepped foot on the ice for them in a game. If they boldly tell McKenna to knock it off and stop risking himself in the slightest, then it takes away a part of what makes him unique and a way for him to de-stress.
Already with a boatload of pressure and expectations, McKenna has to blow off some steam somehow.
If his preferred method is to ride a dirt bike or end up cruising around in an ATV then so be it. He's proven that he can safely maneuver what he's driving and he has taken precautions such as wearing a helmet and ensuring he's properly secured in the ATV.
It'll be hard for Toronto to balance things out with McKenna and the two parties need to come to a compromise that will limit the risk to McKenna's health and future prospects while also allowing him the freedom to enjoy what he wants to do.
Though with him not taking the ice in a game yet and so much potential riding on his ability, it may be in the best interest of the Maple Leafs to get in his ear at least before this season starts.
Should the Maple Leafs tell Gavin McKenna to stop dirt biking and doing other 'extreme' activities?
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