Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid believes Toronto Maple Leafs first overall pick Gavin McKenna is ready for the intense spotlight that comes with playing in Toronto.
McKenna, selected first overall in the NHL Draft out of Penn State, is expected to compete for a roster spot in training camp this fall.
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McDavid admitted he did not closely follow McKenna before the draft. "I don't know much about him.
I haven't paid attention all that much, to be honest," McDavid said.
Despite that, McDavid noted McKenna appears capable of handling the pressure. "Seems like he's a good kid," he said.
McDavid pointed to the support system McKenna will have in Toronto, including star forward Auston Matthews.
"He'll have his hands full in Toronto, but he seems like he's prepared for it," McDavid said.
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"He'll have a good support system there too, obviously with Auston, and he'll have lots of support around him, so he should be fine."
Toronto general manager John Chayka praised McKenna's character and talent. "Gavin is an exceptional young man with tremendous talent and character," Chayka said.
Chayka added that the organization is excited to welcome McKenna. "We're thrilled to welcome him to the Toronto Maple Leafs," he said.
At Penn State, McKenna recorded 15 goals and 31 assists in 36 games as a freshman, leading the Big Ten in conference scoring and setting school rookie records for points and assists.
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The Maple Leafs missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in a decade, but winning the draft lottery and selecting McKenna has given the franchise a boost heading into the new season.
