Gavin McKenna may have gotten lucky rooming with John Tavares as it was revealed that he'll have access to everything he needs to keep himself fit and conditioned.
With McKenna rooming with John Tavares for the 2026-27 season, the Maple Leafs rookie is going to be in good hands, as he is able to not only pick the brain of his veteran roommate, but also get a family experience that is going to make those tough days a little bit easier especially being so far from home.
The two are already lined up together during training camp and there is a lot of excitement towards what the teenage phenom could bring to the lineup this season. If there's anyone who can spark the energy and passion back into the fanbase, it's McKenna.
Gavin McKenna's stay with John Tavares gives him access to top-end recovery equipment
Though he's also going to have one incredible asset at his disposal living with the Tavares' and it could be key in keeping him on the ice.
McKenna isn't the only one rooming with Tavares this offseason, as newly signed Brendan Brisson is also staying with the former captain during training camp. Brisson explained that Tavares' household is a hockey player's dream, as he has an incredible array of fitness and recovery equipment:
He's got the saunas, the cold tubs, the Normatecs, the red light, everything to help your game and it's awesome to watch his everyday routine. Me and Gavin are making a few jokes but we're following along too.
Brisson also noted that Tavares stayed with him during his rookie season is Los Angeles during the summer when he was eight years old, and that he even sent him protein powder later on his career after the two shared an affinity for the drink after Tavares' workouts or practice.
It's unsurprising to see Tavares have all the tools necessary to keep him fit, and it's clear that there's benefits to his routine, as the soon to be 36-year-old has shown no signs of slowing down and has had remarkable durability later on in Toronto - missing only 14 games over the past five seasons.
Why this access is critical to Gavin McKenna's success
The most games McKenna has appeared in for one singular season was during the 2023-24 season where he appeared in 75 total games - 61 for Medicine Hat, and 14 combined with the U17's and U18's during appearances for Team Canada.
But besides that, there hasn't been much of a rigorous schedule for McKenna, and the leap to the NHL is a whole different beast. Hits are heavier, the game moves faster, and without the proper recovery tools he can be more prone to injury.
Staying with Tavares all year gives him immediate access to all of the tools and equipment necessary to keep himself in top shape while also getting advice from Tavares regarding routine and how to properly manage post-game issues.
With the addition of Andy O'Brien to the Sport Performance staff, and the access to Tavares' home therapy lounge we could see Gavin McKenna taking the ice for the entirety of the 2026-27 season while allowing him to keep as dangerous as ever.
Will Gavin McKenna stay healthy for the Maple Leafs during the 2026-27 season?
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