Gavin McKenna, the No. 1 pick of the 2026 NHL Draft, has set ambitious goals for his rookie season with the Toronto Maple Leafs. McKenna aims to make the playoffs, contend for the Calder Trophy, and contribute immediately to a team looking to bounce back after missing the postseason last year.

McKenna, who signed a three-year entry-level contract after playing one season at Penn State, is expected to compete for a top-six forward role and power-play time. He has already connected with teammate Auston Matthews, the 2016 No. 1 pick, for advice on navigating the pressures of playing in Toronto's high-scrutiny market.

McKenna joins a Maple Leafs team that has made aggressive offseason moves, including acquiring goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, to build a win-now roster. He expressed gratitude for joining a team that is "hungry" and in a winning environment, unlike some first overall picks who join rebuilding franchises. He also emphasized the importance of humility and being a role model for his community in Whitehorse, Yukon.