Toronto Maple Leafs: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Leafs Rookie Gavin McKenna Breaks Through — Thanks to the Most Unexpected Ritual Yet

Gavin McKenna had his first big moment as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Fans and media have been waiting to see what the 18‑year‑old could do, and on Tuesday night, he delivered.

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The Morning Bark

The Quiz of the Day

Jim Hiller on whether it looked like the Matthews of old vs. Nashville: “It really was for me… I really felt something special from Auston… It was just a little bit different”

After the Maple Leafs’ thrilling 5-4 overtime win over Nashville, head coach Jim Hiller discussed Gavin McKenna’s first NHL goal, the decision to shuffle the lines and reunite Auston Matthews with William Nylander, and Matthews’ standout four-point performance.

Toronto Maple Leafs News / TheLeafsnation / October 6

Maple Leafs’ Gavin McKenna pushes Steven Stamkos to undercard in electric 4th NHL game

In the hockey capital of the world, nuance often sails out of the window at the first sign of trouble. Gavin McKenna did not register a point during his first three games, creating a vortex of paranoia and concern from all parts of the Toronto hockey ecosystem.

Washington Capitals News / Yardbarker Quizzes

The 'Most goals in NHL history' quiz

How many of the 22 players in NHL history with at least 600 career goals can you name in five minutes?

The 'Conn Smythe Trophy winners' quiz

The '2026-27 NHL captains' quiz

The ''EA NHL,'' covers since 2000' quiz

Auston Matthews News / Editor In Leaf / October 6

Auston Matthews just proved that he's still one of the best in the NHL

Auston Matthews is back. After the season that he had last season, it is so refreshing to see him back to his old self and putting up points with ease.

NHL News / Yardbarker

The best and worst NHL free agency deals since 2000

The NHL has had an interesting new millennium. It was a league sans a salary cap when the 2000s started… and then the owners locked the players out for an entire season.

NHL News / Field Level Media / October 6

Auston Matthews, Gavin McKenna hit milestones in OT win over Predators

Auston Matthews scored with 14 seconds remaining in overtime as the Toronto Maple Leafs rallied from an early 3-0 deficit to defeat the visiting Nashville Predators 5-4 on Tuesday night.

Gavin Mckenna News / TheLeafsnation / October 6

Instant Reaction: Maple Leafs complete electrifying comeback vs. Predators in McKenna milestone game

The Toronto Maple Leafs may not have played a game in the same stratosphere of excitement as what went down on Tuesday night. If Gavin McKenna’s first career NHL goal and assist and a four-point game from Auston Matthews weren’t enough, they played a part in what was a comeback 5-4 win over the Nashville Predators.

Gavin Mckenna News / Daily Faceoff / October 6

Watch: No. 1 pick Gavin McKenna scores first NHL goal

The kid has finally broken through. Toronto Maple Leafs rookie Gavin McKenna scored his first career NHL goal in a game against the Nashville Predators on Tuesday night at Scotiabank Arena.

NHL News / Yardbarker

The defining figure for every NHL franchise

People will talk about the “Mount Rushmore” for a franchise, which is to say the four people, usually four players, that most define the franchise. Not always the four-best players, but the four that evoke the essence of the franchise.

Gavin Mckenna News / TheLeafsnation / October 6

Maple Leafs’ Gavin McKenna records 1st NHL point vs. Predators

Toronto Maple Leafs first overall pick Gavin McKenna has his first point in the NHL. McKenna recorded a primary assist on John Tavares’ second-period goal Tuesday against the Nashville Predators, helping his team get on the board.

Gavin Mckenna News / TheLeafsnation / October 6

Maple Leafs’ Gavin McKenna scores 1st NHL goal vs. Predators

Toronto Maple Leafs first overall pick Gavin McKenna has his first goal in the NHL. McKenna ripped a feed from Auston Matthews top corner to get the Leafs within one after falling down 4-2.

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The 'Most TD's through four games' quiz

The 'NFL RB TD-catch leaders' quiz

The 'Most HRs by an MLB first baseman' quiz

The 'Active 100-hit MLB seasons' quiz

Gavin Mckenna News / NHL Trade Talk / October 6

Aware of the Controversy, Gavin McKenna Takes Personal Jab at Toronto Media

Gavin McKenna has played just three NHL games, but the Toronto Maple Leafs rookie already knows what it’s like to play in a pressure-cooker market like Toronto.

NHL News / Maple Leafs Hotstove / October 6

Jim Hiller on the video-room sessions with Gavin McKenna through three games: “Alfie’s been doing some work with him that way”

Ahead of Tuesday’s game against Nashville, head coach Jim Hiller discussed the decision to start Anthony Stolarz, managing the goaltenders’ workloads, Gavin McKenna’s adjustment to the NHL spotlight, and Nick Blankenburg’s wait for an opportunity in the lineup.