McKenna quickly taken under wing of well-versed Tavares with Maple Leafs
NHL prospect Gavin McKenna is living with veteran Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares during his rookie season. Tavares is mentoring the young player on how to handle the high expectations and intense media pressure of playing in a major hockey market.
Why it matters
Mentorship programs between veteran stars and top draft picks are critical for player development and long-term success in high-pressure professional sports environments.
2026 No. 1 pick living with veteran forward, who mentors on high expectations, market pressure
(c) Toronto Maple Leafs and Mark Blinch/Getty Images
LAS VEGAS -- Gavin McKenna has lived with Toronto Maple Leafs teammate John Tavares for the past three weeks and already has left a positive impression.
Tavares and his family have invited McKenna, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, to move in with them in his upcoming rookie NHL season. To that end, the 18-year-old got a taste of things to come by joining the Tavareses at their lakeside summer home in the Muskokas, about two and a half hours north of Toronto, last month.
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