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Gavin McKenna is preparing for his first NHL season after the Toronto Maple Leafs selected him with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NHL draft.
Now we know that one of the franchise’s most experienced players will help McKenna transition to NHL life.
According to The Hockey News’ Michael Traikos, former Maple Leafs captain John Tavares, 35, revealed on Tuesday that McKenna will live with him and his family during the upcoming season.
“John Tavares said that Gavin McKenna will be living with him and his family this year,” Traikos reported from the NHL Player Media Tour. “Tavares had Easton Cowan living with him last year.”
John Tavares said that Gavin McKenna will be living with him and his family this year.
Tavares had Easton Cowan living with him last year.
— Michael Traikos (@Michael_Traikos) September 9, 2026
McKenna arrives in Toronto after spending one season at Penn State, where he recorded 15 goals and 51 points across 35 games.
The arrangement will give the 18-year-old McKenna one of Toronto’s most experienced teammates to lean on as he adjusts to his first professional season in the biggest hockey market across the league.
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Tavares is preparing for his 18th NHL campaign and ninth with the Maple Leafs. Like McKenna, the veteran center entered the league as a No. 1 overall selection after the New York Islanders took him first in 2009.
Opening his home to a young Toronto teammate also isn’t new territory for Tavares and his family.
Cowan lived with Tavares during his rookie season in 2025-26, when the 21-year-old forward recorded 29 points. Another young Maple Leafs forward, Matthew Knies, also previously stayed with Tavares as a rookie.
Tavares, McKenna and the Maple Leafs will open the 2026-27 season against the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday, Sept. 29.
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This story was originally published September 9, 2026 at 2:00 AM.