Gavin McKenna responds after being hit with another demotion by the Maple Leafs
Photo credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images
Gavin McKenna is not sulking over losing his spot with the Toronto Maple Leafs' top power-play unit.
The 18-year-old rookie handled the news with maturity on Friday, as John Tavares prepares to return to the lineup against the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday night.
Tavares has been out for roughly two weeks with an injury. During his absence, McKenna stepped into the net-front role on the first unit alongside Auston Matthews, William Nylander, Kirill Marchenko and Darren Raddysh. Now head coach Jim Hiller is sending the rookie back to the second group.
McKenna Shows Perspective After Practice
Asked about the change following practice, McKenna offered a refreshingly honest answer.
I'm 18 years old. There are a lot of guys on this team who have been in this league for a long time and know how to play that power play. So when you see a guy like John come on and take your spot, you're not too butthurt about it.
He's obviously very smart, and even for me, being on a second power-play unit in the NHL feels pretty good.
He's obviously very smart, and even for me, being on a second power-play unit in the NHL feels pretty good.
The response says plenty about the teenager's mindset. Rather than lobbying for more ice time, McKenna acknowledged the experience gap and praised the veteran's hockey IQ.
He also credited Tavares for helping him settle in with Toronto, a relationship that clearly shapes how he views the situation.
What Changes for the Leafs
Tavares will shift to the wing on the second line, skating with Nick Paul at center and Nylander on the right side. Back on the top power play, he resumes the net-front duties McKenna had been handling.
The adjustment puts a seasoned presence back in front of the opposing goalie, while McKenna continues to collect meaningful reps with the second group. For a rookie still learning the pace of NHL special teams, that is a valuable role.
Saturday's matchup against Montreal offers the first test of the new look. McKenna may have lost a prime assignment, but his reaction suggests he is staying focused on the long game.
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