What Happened
Gavin McKenna took a spot on the Toronto Maple Leafs' first line with Auston Matthews and Jack Roslovic for the team's game against the Seattle Kraken in Seattle, according to Sportsnet. The change came in Game 15 of the season. McKenna said seeing his name beside Matthews' gave him confidence and that he wants to make the most of the opportunity.
Key Details
- McKenna skated with Matthews and Jack Roslovic on the top line.
- The promotion came before Toronto's road game against Seattle.
- McKenna and Matthews are the Leafs' two most recent first-overall picks.
- Matthews assisted on McKenna's first NHL goal three weeks earlier against Nashville.
- McKenna said Matthews is dangerous in all areas of the ice.
What It Means
Toronto is pairing its two most recent first-overall selections in a regular line combination for the first time this season. McKenna, a rookie playmaker, gets a look with a centre who has already set up his first NHL goal. The move puts a young winger in a scoring role as the Leafs seek more offence.
What's Next
Whether the combination stays together beyond the Seattle game has not been announced. McKenna's usage and production alongside Matthews will be worth tracking as Toronto continues its schedule.