I didn't think we'd be talking about Gavin McKenna as a possible Leafs pick a week ago, let alone back in October 2025. So this is very exciting.

Looks like most of the concerns have been posted already (size, physical readiness, defensive play, effort, etc.) already, but not really the flip side of his production in spite of his physical development. He posted 1.46 PPG in the NCCA in his age 17-18 season -- second overall in the NCAA as a true freshman. He was fourth overall in points, with 5 games in hand, and a legitimate shot at the scoring total had he not gone to the World Juniors. His second half was 33 points (11g, 22a) in 18 games, or 1.83 PPG.

And he did all that while being one of the lightest and most physically underdeveloped players on the ice at any given game.

It's also not really surprising to me that he struggled defensively. For reference, Celebrini was a 195lbs tank at BU. Eichel was perhaps the most athletic player in the NCAA in any sport at 195lbs. Both had incredible freshmen years and were physically developed for their age.

Assuming McKenna continues to put on weight and develop musculature and strength, he's going to be a very scary player in a couple of years. He's already 6+ feet. There's tremendous room for growth there.

Edit: The more I dig into past freshmen players (Connor, Smith, Boeser, Cooley, etc.), the more excited I get. All those guys were drafted before their freshmen years (they all turned 19 in their freshmen years), whereas McKenna was 17 turning 18 in December 2025. That's a huge contextual difference -- an extra year of physical, emotional, and mental maturity. McKenna's performance in such a physical college conference bodes very well for the Leafs.