Gavin McKenna showed the Maple Leafs GM exactly who he is

Gavin McKenna and John Chayka's relationship still needs to grow from an on-ice standpoint, but off the ice, the two seem like they're quickly becoming friends and that means good things for both McKenna and the Maple Leafs.

The Gavin McKenna era has already kicked off with a strong development camp and the Maple Leafs are going to get a good look at what he can bring to the ice when they take to the ice for their first preseason games in September, which were announced earlier today.

There's little to believe that McKenna won't be as advertised and we are going to get a lot of exciting hockey that not only brings the runback to Toronto hockey, but also bring in a player who will affect the community in a huge way both on and off the ice.

His character has always been one of his key qualities, and the fact that he never forgot where he grew up and how he was raised is rare to see, especially from an 18-year-old who was a first overall pick with such hype attached to his name.

Gavin McKenna takes John Chayka out for a ride in Whitehorse

And that character was on full display alongside Maple Leafs GM John Chayka.

Some video emerged of Chayka's visit to McKenna in Whitehorse, where the rookie was able to show the GM a little bit of his old daily life and even took him out riding on an ATV - needing to give Chayka a few pointers as to how it all worked:

I knew what we were getting ourselves into but I didn't fully appreciate it. I haven't been much of an ATV'er myself but honestly, it was fun. That's important to me, to see people engaging in their natural surroundings, and you know Gavin's upbringing, up in the North, it was important to see and learn what he does.

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It's great to not only see the side of McKenna we've heard about but not necessarily seen in full force and it's also a bit nice to see Chayka step aside from his GM duties and enjoy life and have fun. For someone who spent a lot of time sitting behind a desk and crunching numbers, the trip must have been a nice personal getaway.

What Gavin McKenna and John Chayka's relationship means for the Maple Leafs

I mean, it wouldn't be doing 'due diligence' if Chayka didn't put in an effort to learn about McKenna but it's refreshing to see the team invest so much time and effort into someone while also having a bit of humanity trickling in.

But this is an important video for more than just a quick emotional hook. It's a sign that Chayka and McKenna's bond is getting stronger, and for someone who is expected to lead the franchise going forward - it looks like all chips are on McKenna.

If the two can build up a relationship of trust and comfort, then it wont be hard for McKenna to come to Chayka with suggestions, and he can know that he'll be the focal point and be protected at every possible turn. On Chayka's side, he knows that he has a trusted and reliable superstar who is hellbent on winning and making sure that Toronto is successful once again.

There is however a downside to this, as perhaps some players may feel like Chaykacould play favourites with McKenna and if they have suggestions or concerns that don't align with what McKenna feels, then it could be lost on deaf ears.

That's not to say Chayka is going to ignore his other players, but clearly he's trying his best to build a strong relationship with Gavin McKenna on and off the ice. If he is going to be working with him for the next few years it makes sense, and the two will always be linked.

Chayka was the one who picked McKenna, and regardless of where his career ends up - this is where it started.

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