McKenna turns heads while skating beside Tavares, Nylander in first Leafs practice

The Toronto Maple Leafs held the first practices of training camp on Thursday at the Ford Performance Centre. First overall pick Gavin McKenna is starting on the second line. The 18-year-old left winger slotted in beside centre John Tavares and right winger William Nylander during Thursday’s first on-ice session at Maple Leafs training camp. “It feels good knowing that the staff has confidence in me and [is] putting me with those type of players,” McKenna said. Newly minted head coach Jim Hiller insists there’s not one big reason why McKenna is starting in that spot although he did highlight the fact that the rookie will be living with Tavares this season. “John’s detailed, so that probably helps him,” Hiller noted.