Gavin McKenna, ahead of NHL draft, takes in World Cup match in Toronto

Earlier in the day, McKenna was at the Cwench Centre in Etobicoke

Published Jun 23, 2026  •  2 minute read

A general view during a hydration break in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match between Panama and Croatia at Toronto Stadium on June 23, 2026 in Toronto. Photo by Megan Briggs /Getty Images

See more Toronto Sun on Google — save as a Preferred Source 

Article content

Gavin McKenna got an initial look at a rabid Toronto sports crowd on Tuesday.

Article content

Article content

The projected No. 1 pick in the first round of the National Hockey League draft posted a short video on Instagram from inside Toronto Stadium during the FIFA World Cup match between Croatia and Panama.

McKenna doesn’t say anything in the video, taken from midfield, instead letting the crowd noise play in the background.

Earlier in the day, McKenna was at the Cwench Centre in Etobicoke for what appeared to be a promotional shoot.

The prevailing thought is that McKenna will be drafted by the Maple Leafs with the first pick in Buffalo on Friday night. It’s the third time in franchise history that the Leafs will pick first overall, barring an unexpected last-minute trade. Toronto took Wendel Clark first in 1985 and Auston Matthews with the first pick in 2016.

At the draft combine in Buffalo earlier this month, McKenna was asked about being drafted by the Leafs.

“The situation the Leafs are in right now, it’s pretty crazy that they got the first overall pick (because) their team is probably going to be fighting for the playoffs next year,” McKenna said. “I’d be pretty fortunate to go there.”

Article content

McKenna talked with TSN this week about the potential of playing with Matthews and the Leafs.

“My game is a playmaker,” McKenna told Gino Reda. “I can think the game very well and I can find guys in spots where not many people can find them.

“I think my game has always been like that. I think if you put me with a shooter, it could be pretty lethal. That’s who Auston Matthews is. He is a shooter and he has experience in the league.

“Having a guy like that and guys like Tavares, who have been through it, could help me a lot if that’s the case.”

[email protected]

X: @koshtorontosun

Read More

1. 

   A look at Gavin McKenna and the Maple Leafs' possible options at No. 1 in NHL draft

2. 

   Why Maple Leafs are joining Ottawa Senators' rookie event in Gatineau

Article content