nbcsports
In a thrilling 5-4 overtime win against the Nashville Predators, Toronto Maple Leafs rookie Gavin McKenna, the top pick in the most recent NHL draft, celebrated his first career NHL goal and assist. The 18-year-old forward found the back of the net in the second period, beating Predators goaltender Juuse Saros with a high shot after receiving a pass from Auston Matthews.
McKenna also earned an assist on Toronto's opening goal by William Nylander, marking his first NHL point. Reflecting on the milestone, McKenna said, "Big monkey off the back. That one felt good. That's a goal I'll obviously remember forever."
Toronto head coach Jim Hiller praised the tally, calling it "a goal-scorer's goal" and noting, "By trade he's a playmaker, but that was a goal-scorer's goal. Got his feet around it on the strong side, and he had some zip on it."
After scoring, McKenna dropped to one knee in celebration before being swarmed by his teammates. Winger William Nylander, who finished with a goal and two assists, described the shot as "a bullet, top shelf" and added, "I'd be very happy if I scored that one."
McKenna admitted that his first points felt like they were a long time coming, even though it had only been three games. "Every single game I've been trying to get better," he said. "I thought (Tuesday) was my best one. I think I'm taking steps in the right direction. Hopefully there's a few more to come."
The Maple Leafs, who missed the playoffs last spring for the first time in a decade, won the draft lottery in June to secure the first overall selection and the right to draft McKenna. The Yukon native, who played college hockey at Penn State, is one of several new faces in Toronto this season. The team also added goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky and defenseman Darren Raddysh before acquiring winger Kirill Marchenko a day before the regular-season opener.
Entering the game, McKenna had averaged 14 minutes and 32 seconds of ice time with three shots on goal and a minus-3 rating through his first three NHL contests. Before his college stint, he had a standout career in the Canadian Hockey League.
Key Analysis
McKenna's early success provides a bright spot for a Toronto franchise seeking to return to contention. His ability to contribute offensively, as demonstrated by his first goal and assist, suggests he could be a key piece in the team's rebuild. The Maple Leafs' offseason acquisitions, including Bobrovsky and Raddysh, further indicate a push to strengthen the roster. If McKenna continues to develop, he may become a cornerstone for Toronto's future.
Originally reported by nbcsports.