Hockey is finally here. We get to see actual players on actual ice playing actual hockey instead of just thinking about it all summer long. And now, we get to enjoy watching Gavin McKenna, too.
The Toronto Maple Leafs started their Prospect Challenge on Friday, with prospects taking the ice for practice in the morning ahead of a weekend jam-packed with games and just seeing the young kids play.
For the first bit of action, all the Leafs prospects took the ice at the Ford Performance Centre before heading to Gatineau, Quebec to play in a couple of games over there. But of course, there was one player that the spotlight was hot and bright on: Gavin McKenna.
McKenna paired with a couple of older Leafs prospects
The 2026 first-overall pick took the ice and as practice progressed, we did get to find out his potential linemates for the weekend of action.
Gavin McKenna skating on a line with Luke Haymes and Brandon Buhr at Leafs Prospects Challenge practice @TSN_Sports pic.twitter.com/MgLjDUDhPK
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) September 11, 2026
McKenna is projected to take the ice on a line with Luke Haymes as his center and Brandon Buhr on the other flank. It's an interesting combination. The first thought that comes to mind is those two being on the older side of the group and both having immense college experience. Maybe the thought process here is that they can keep up with McKenna and with some more maturity to their game, know how to work positionally to maybe get the best out of the top prospect -- basically to make him look pretty darn good.
And, well, it's already starting. During some practice drills, McKenna is working with his two linemates and perfectly set up this goal:
Gavin McKenna in controlled 3-on-2 drills. It’s been the subtleties in his game. On the previous rush, McKenna caught a pass in his skates, tipped it to Luke Haymes in one fell swoop, who set up Brandon Buhr for the one-timer at the back post. pic.twitter.com/fXRZPyFbPI
— Arun Srinivasan (@Arunthings) September 11, 2026
We cannot wait to see him in the Blue and White for the next decade.
Maple Leafs prospects setting up for a big weekend
A total of 26 players will be making their way to Gatineau for the Leafs' Prospect Challenge. First, they will face the prospects of the Ottawa Senators on Saturday, with puck drop at 6:00 p.m., and then the young kids of the Winnipeg Jets on Sunday at 1:00 p.m.
This year's roster obviously features the likes of McKenna, but also some highly touted prospects like Alexander Bilecki, Tyler Hopkins, Tinus Luc Koblar, Harry Nansi, Ben Danford, and Marisolav Holinka. There should be a lot of exciting players to watch and maybe start these crucial developmental seasons on a high note while wearing a Leafs sweater.
Toronto Marlies head coach Steve Sullivan and the rest of his AHL coaching staff, including newcomer Mark Giordano, is running the team.
After that, Leafs training camp and the preseason will start next week, with the first exhibition game happening next Saturday in Montreal.
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