There are only 16 teams in the NHL that have a former first-overall pick on their active roster, and there are just four teams with two of them.
Then there are the Toronto Maple Leafs, who are set to have three No. 1 picks in their lineup this season — captain Auston Matthews, veteran pivot John Tavares, and now Gavin McKenna.
Having not one, but two sounding boards for McKenna who have been in his position is a luxury for the Maple Leafs that is rare in the NHL. And mentorship for young players is something Tavares takes pride in.
The 35-year-old spoke with The Hockey News’ Michael Traikos at the NHL-NHLPA North American Player Media Tour on Wednesday about how he plans to tutor McKenna as the 18-year-old phenom acclimatizes to the professional level.
“You're a rookie once in the NHL and have this amazing opportunity to just enjoy it, be driven, compete your ass off and have fun with it,” Tavares said of McKenna. “There's going to be ups and downs, but that's part of the journey.
"You get to live your dream. You've been thinking about this for as long as you can remember, and you've really got to enjoy it."
Tavares revealed that McKenna will be living with him throughout the 2026-27 season. It’s a tradition