Gavin McKenna's NHL readiness is already being questioned before Maple Leafs camp

Gavin McKenna enters Maple Leafs camp with enormous expectations, but the more important question is whether his game is ready for NHL pace, size and responsibility right away.

McKenna will have limited opportunities to gel with his teammates during preseason, which is a real concern. Toronto can use McKenna's first nine NHL appearances as an additional evaluation window before his 10th game activates Year 1 of his entry-level contract.

McKenna's first real NHL test is not the Calder race, it is whether Toronto ever needs the nine-game escape hatch

Overall, this gives the Maple Leafs a clear-cut checkpoint to decide McKenna's NHL-readiness. If McKenna remains in the lineup past Game 9, then the “not ready” narrative loses much of its credibility.

In those first nine games, there are numerous factors that will determine whether McKenna has the goods out of the gate. 5-on-5 usage, top-nine minutes, power-play time, defensive zone activation, and late-game deployment are all things head coach Jim Hiller will be keeping track of.

The Leafs cannot solely judge McKenna based on points. Instead, they will be looking to see how he manages the pace and size of his opponents. Ultimately, the answer to McKenna's NHL readiness might just materialize before the Calder trophy race even takes shape.

McKenna's real readiness test will be how quickly Jim Hiller trusts him

There is a big difference between making the roster and being trusted. One involves being on the lineup sheet, while the other involves receiving meaningful minutes.

If Hiller gives McKenna top-six minutes, meaningful power-play time and late-game shifts, that will say more about Toronto's confidence in him than any early point total.

Last season, Easton Cowan was utilized all over the lineup, but there were times when he couldn't establish a concrete role. McKenna will be looking to find some more consistency, especially in the top six.

McKenna does not need to win the Calder to prove the doubters wrong. He only needs Toronto to treat him like a player it cannot afford to take out of the lineup.

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