Auston Matthews makes a strong statement on Gavin McKenna after rookie's game-winner

Gavin McKenna came to the Toronto Maple Leafs’ rescue on Monday, helping his team beat the San Jose Sharks 3-1 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario. 

His third-period game-winner and overall demeanor have seemingly left a positive impression on another former No. 1 overall pick.

“He’s not shy at the moment at all. I think if you give him a little bit of time and space like he had there, he’s gonna make something happen, and he did,” Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews said of McKenna while talking to reporters after the game (h/t Leafslatest).

McKenna, the No. 1 overall pick by Toronto in the 2026 NHL Draft, was benched in a recent game against the Buffalo Sabres, but appears to be responding positively.

“He’s been fine these last couple of games, and even what happened a couple nights ago, that stuff doesn’t shake him,” Matthews added. “He just keeps turning away, and it’s impressive.”

Thanks largely to McKenna, the Maple Leafs snapped a three-game losing skid and improved to 4-4-2. Matthews also had a hand in Toronto’s success, lighting the lamp on the man advantage and recording two assists, including a helper on McKenna’s goal.

On the season, McKenna has three goals and three assists.