Why Leafs GM John Chayka travelled to Yukon to meet McKenna family

While Gavin McKenna was the top rated pick ahead of the NHL draft, it was important the team and the player's family were on side

Published Jun 27, 2026  •  Last updated 32 minutes ago  •  3 minute read

Gavin McKenna and Justin Bieber look on after McKenna was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs with the first overall pick during day one of the 2026 NHL Draft in Buffalo. Photo by Bruce Bennett /Getty Images

To get the essence of Gavin McKenna’s place in “the classic Canadian story,” John Chayka travelled to the source.

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And the day the Maple Leafs general manager spent in Whitehorse a few weeks ago with McKenna and family cinched the decision to make him their No. 1 overall pick.

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“I wanted to see first-hand, his upbringing, the person,” Chayka said Saturday at McKenna’s introductory press conference. “What I saw was someone who loved his community and whose community loves him, a big part of who he is. For the Yukon, it’s a pretty special event and for me, his story defines him.

“He was out on the ice by himself working on his game, no skills coach, no skating coach, no trainer. Just love of the game. We quickly realized he was more than a player, that we’re getting a special person, who’ll one day be a leader for this franchise.”

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What’s Whitehorse like?

It‘s about 5,300 km from Toronto to Whitehorse and in the far north, full daylight when Chayka landed at 11 p.m. 

“That was a new one for me,” Chayka laughed. “Beautiful place. With everything going on in the world right now there are few you can go to and be with nature. I spent four or five hours talking with his family (Mom Krystal and father Willy), learning what makes him tick and answering and questions they had.

“You only have one shot at this and I wanted to leave no stone unturned. It’s important to start building relationships. I have three kids now and if one were going to play somewhere, I’d want to feel comfortable he’s in good hands and people will look after him.”

Chayka was nervous only once that day, when it was suggested they all take a drive up a nearby mountain, with 18-year-old Gavin at the wheel.

“I had my eyes closed for most of it,” Chayka laughed.

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How will McKenna adjust to Toronto?

Late Friday, McKenna was being driven into Toronto from Buffalo after the draft, the CN Tower and skyline coming into view, the same kind of excitement that Wendel Clark and Auston Matthews experienced as first overall Leafs.

“Last night was crazy,” McKenna said. “I’ve been to Toronto before I was drafted and people were coming up to me asking for photos. I’m excited to meet all these people.”

McKenna and friends were headed to his first-ever Jays game Saturday afternoon where he was likely throwing out the first pitch. He will be in uniform at the Ford Centre by next week at the Leafs development camp and there’s a chance he’ll be spending some time with alternate captain John Tavares, who has hosted Leaf rookies at his home in the past.

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McKenna was introduced on the draft floor by Canadian pop icon and Leaf super-fan Justin Bieber, though took a congratulatory call from Chayka back in Toronto before reaching the podium with commissioner Gary Bettman.

“One of the best calls, if not the best I’ve ever received,” McKenna said. “It was loud in there and hard to hear, but a special moment when you realize you’re going first. That call was a big relief.”

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