Steve Sullivan confirmed McKenna is out of the Prospects Tournament. The first overall pick stays behind while the rest of Toronto's prospects head to Gatineau for the weekend.
The Maple Leafs held their Prospect Showcase practice ahead of this weekend's event, and although Gavin McKenna was skating on a line with Luke Haymes and Brandon Buhr, it seems like he won't be playing for Toronto this weekend.
Toronto Marlies head coach Steve Sullivan - who is leading the Prospects this weekend - confirmed that McKenna will not make the trip to Gatineau:
Marlies head coach Steve Sullivan confirms Gavin McKenna will not travel to Gatineau for the Prospects Tournament.
Sullivan highlights McKenna's deception, execution and ability to make plays out of structure as key qualities.
McKenna for what it's worth, took everything in stride and admitted he just wants to help the team and will do what they ask of him, even if it means sitting out:
I was just doing whatever the team wanted me to do. It'd be fun to play some games, but they think me staying here is best, and I'm OK with that. I'll listen to what they want.
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Sullivan's answer explains why McKenna is not going
This is certainly an unfortunate development for fans who were hoping to get their first taste of McKenna in game action as a part of the Maple Leafs, though won't need to wait too long as it's likely he will be suiting up for the team's preseason games, which start next week.
Sullivan did essentially explain to everyone why McKenna isn't going to be showing up, and it's pretty straightforward - he's got no reason to. With a spot in the lineup already a foregone conclusion, Sullivan notes that his talents will already translate at the NHL level:
What's best for him is to stay here, continue to train with the NHL players and and prepare for a big season. Short training camp for them. They have an 84-game schedule. He's got a lot coming in front of him. He had a really busy summer.
Is that the only reason? Likely not, however it also does provide one modicum of protection that may be overlooked, which is that McKenna won't be at risk of getting hurt, and he can spend the time with the Maple Leafs staff and his teammates to better prepare for the NHL season ahead.
Who Toronto now has to watch in Gatineau instead
With the Maple Leafs now heading to Gatineau without their top prospect, there's a renewed focus on the other young guns in the pipeline who are going to get a strong look. Up front, Tinus Luc Koblar will get a chance to build off his IIHF performance and prove that he's ahead of curve with a potential Marlies job in the balance.
Plus, there's also a chance for improved players like Harry Nansi and Miroslav Holinka to fight for a future lineup spot as well, with Holinka already part of the Marlies (with a bigger role this season) and Nansi has ascended to become one of Toronto's more intriguing and talented prospects.
On the backend, we'll get to see a top pairing of Ben Danford and Noah Chadwick - a duo who could be a future pairing for the Maple Leafs in a couple years. Danford will get a chance to show off his shutdown ability, meanwhile Chadwick has the chance to drive the offence from the blueline.
But this isn't also about players who are close to making it, but also players who are trying to find a spot in general. Fringe players like Rylan Fellinger, Sawyer Boulton, and Brady Pepoy are all fighting for AHL jobs, meanwhile invitee Parker Vaughan has impressed enough to be brought back a second time.
We are not going to see McKenna playing in the Showcase but that doesn't mean the Maple Leafs aren't going to be exciting to watch, and knowing the prospects they have in their system we could get a very good idea of who is the next breakout star for Toronto.
Are you upset that Gavin McKenna is missing out on the Prospect Showcase?
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