Gavin McKenna breaks through with first NHL goal for Maple Leafs

Top pick Gavin McKenna delivered a milestone performance on Tuesday night in Toronto, registering his first NHL points and scoring his first goal as the Maple Leafs faced the Nashville Predators.

McKenna’s goal came in the back half of the second period with Toronto trailing 4–2. Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews won a battle along the boards against Nashville forward Steven Stamkos and fed the puck into the slot, where McKenna had found space. The rookie wasted no time, firing a shot past Predators goaltender Juuse Saros to pull Toronto within a goal.

First point, first goal and a spot in Leafs history

The goal capped an already notable night for the teenager. Earlier in the middle frame, with the Maple Leafs down 3–0, McKenna set up John Tavares’ first goal of the season, giving the 18-year-old his first NHL point. That assist made him the youngest player to record his first point with the Maple Leafs since Drake Berehowsky did so on October 10, 1990. McKenna is just 10 days younger than Berehowsky was when he reached that milestone 36 years ago.

By later scoring his first NHL goal, McKenna also became the ninth-youngest player in franchise history to notch a first goal with the Leafs. The achievement places him on a list that features former Toronto standouts such as Ted Kennedy, Al Iafrate and Russ Courtnall, underlining the significance of his early contribution.

Early scrutiny and expectations for a franchise cornerstone

McKenna’s breakthrough comes after a brief but closely watched start to his rookie season. Through his first three games he had yet to record a point, prompting some to question whether he was ready for full-time NHL duty. His track record in junior and college, however, had already shown he possessed the skill to compete at the highest level.

The Maple Leafs are counting on McKenna to be a central figure in reshaping the Original Six franchise after a difficult 2025–26 campaign, when Toronto finished last in the Atlantic Division and missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in a decade. By finding the scoresheet twice against Nashville and scoring in a key moment, McKenna took an important step toward fulfilling that role and offered an encouraging sign to a fan base looking to him as a key piece of the club’s future.