Toronto Maple Leafs Pair First-Overall Picks McKenna and Matthews on Top Line
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Rookie Gavin McKenna joins Auston Matthews and Jack Roslovic as the Leafs shuffle their lineup due to injuries.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have placed rookie Gavin McKenna on the top line alongside center Auston Matthews and Jack Roslovic, as Sportsnet first reported. While the two most recent first-overall draft picks for Toronto have shown chemistry on the power play and sat together during road trips, coach Jim Hiller had not previously started them on the same line.
Sportsnet reports the lineup change was driven by necessity. Top-six winger Kirill Marchenko is sidelined week-to-week with an undisclosed lower-body injury, and center John Tavares is currently rehabbing a lower-body injury.
McKenna, who is 18 years old, expressed confidence in the pairing ahead of a game against the Seattle Kraken, noting that Matthews is dangerous in all areas of the ice. Matthews previously assisted on McKenna's first career NHL goal during a game against Nashville.
Despite the excitement, Hiller noted that McKenna is still adjusting to the professional game, specifically regarding play without the puck. Sportsnet reports the rookie has recorded 13 giveaways and four steals through his first 14 games. Hiller emphasized that McKenna must continue to learn the details of the game and positioning to avoid turnovers against elite competition.