Gavin McKenna still chasing first point as Maple Leafs turn to Stolarz vs. Predators

In Toronto, Gavin McKenna will once again be at the centre of attention on Tuesday night as the rookie forward looks for his first NHL point when the Maple Leafs host the Nashville Predators. The 18-year-old first overall pick has been held off the scoresheet in each of his first three games, a reality magnified in one of the league’s most demanding markets.

McKenna acknowledges that the early drought has not gone unnoticed, especially in Toronto’s media environment. After taking part in an optional morning skate, he admitted that going three games without a point draws plenty of commentary and called it “maybe [his] welcome to the NHL.” He pointed to previous stretches without production, including a slow start in college last season, as experiences he can draw on while he works through this one.

Head coach Jim Hiller and Toronto’s leadership group have been trying to shield their prized prospect from the growing noise. Mats Sundin and several teammates have spoken with McKenna about handling outside criticism, while Hiller has stressed the need for young players to stay locked in on the present despite constant exposure to social media. The coach noted that learning to manage that aspect of the job is part of every player’s professional growth.

Support system and on-ice adjustments for McKenna

To help speed up his adjustment, McKenna has been breaking down his games in detail with linemate and landlord John Tavares, and in one-on-one video sessions with associate coach Daniel Alfredsson. Defenceman Morgan Rielly, who works with McKenna on the second power-play unit, praised the rookie’s vision, poise and confidence with the puck, particularly when he operates on the half wall.

The challenge now is to attack the middle of the ice more often in a league where time and space are scarce. McKenna has noted that plays he could get away with at the blue line in junior or college simply do not fly in the NHL, where failed attempts quickly turn into defending in his own end and shortened shifts. Smarter decisions with the puck will be key as he looks to end the skid.

Stolarz starts as Leafs seek momentum before tough trip

In goal, the Maple Leafs will turn to Anthony Stolarz, who was outstanding in a 2–1 win over the New York Islanders last week. When Toronto discussed workload plans with free-agent prize Sergei Bobrovsky, both sides emphasized setting up Stolarz for success as well. Goaltending coach Curtis Sanford helped build a schedule designed to balance the starts of a 38-year-old starter and a backup whose career has included significant injury time.

Hiller declined to say how far in advance the goalies know their starts, but made it clear the club does not want to overwork anyone. Stolarz skipped the morning skate, leaving shots to emergency backup Brandon Bonello, as he prepared for the Predators.

The Maple Leafs enter the matchup at 1–2 and sit near the bottom of what is expected to be a tightly packed Atlantic Division. Nashville comes in at 1–1 after finishing 23rd overall last season, making this a valuable opportunity for Toronto before its first road swing. Beginning Wednesday, the Leafs will face the defending Western Conference champion Vegas Golden Knights, last year’s Presidents’ Trophy–winning Colorado Avalanche and an ascending Utah Mammoth team. Within that context, Toronto’s players have emphasized the need to close out a long homestand the right way, with a strong outing from Stolarz, effective special teams and, ideally, a breakthrough performance from McKenna’s line.