The Gavin McKenna contract officially kicks off his Toronto Maple Leaf era. This afternoon, the news became official that Gavin McKenna has signed his entry-level contract. Let’s get into the details.
Credit Image: © Michael Turner/ZUMA Press Wire
Gavin McKenna Contract, 1st-Overall Pick Signed by Leafs
Gavin McKenna was drafted first overall, after the Toronto Maple Leafs had managed to come away with the first overall lottery victory pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. McKenna had been the top prospect for some time throughout his young career, with possibly many people making the argument for Ivar Stenberg or Keaton Verheoff, at times. That is even as Verheoff fell to nine and landed a huge surprise with the San Jose Sharks.
Still, in the end, it was McKenna who went number one. Was there any doubting the Penn State Star. Not to mention, Team Canada star, as well as previously the Medicine Hat Tigers.
McKenna Has Always Lit It Up
In his last year in junior, he had 41 goals, 88 assists, for 129 points in 56 games. Meanwhile, despite the slow start, and a bit of trouble in university, he tore it up. As a freshman with 51 points in 35 games is no small feat. Playing against that competition will give him an advantage transitioning to the NHL game. Perhaps unlike what we have seen from someone like Adam Fantilli.
Even at this point in his career, he has gone through his share of adversity. In the end, it will only prepare him for life in the city sooner. And he was going to be exposed to it anyway in Toronto. You know with Gavin McKenna contract news coming down the pip, he’s going to be ready for the spotlight. The dude is a stud, goal-scorer. He’s going to be playing with Matthews, and he’s going to put up numbers. Could he match Matthews 40 goals in 82 games from his rookie 2016-17 season. Stay tuned Leaf fans.
Even at this point in his career, he has gone through a share of adversity. In the end, it only prepared him for the city light up.Sooner, it was gonna be exposed to in any way coming to toronto. You know, mckenna’s gonna be ready for the spotlight.The dude’s gonna be a goal.Scorer, he’s gonna be playing with matthews, and he’s gonna put up numbers
The Leafs and general manager John Chayka have been busy. Some of the bigger moves included landing Jack Roslovic and Sergei Bobrovsky. Now the McKenna news? They are trying to make noise, be contenders, in the NHL’s Atlantic Division.
Main Photo Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Gavin McKenna signs his entry-level contract with the #leafs and receives the new maximum allowable under the CBA:
** $1.025M/$1.075M/$1.125M salary next three seasons
** Up to $1M Schedule A bonuses each season
** Up to $2.5M Schedule B bonuses each season
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 3, 2026
