Gavin McKenna Scores First NHL Goal in Maple Leafs’ Overtime Comeback

Gavin McKenna, the top overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, recorded his first career professional goal and an assist to help the Toronto Maple Leafs overcome a three-goal deficit on Tuesday night. The Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Nashville Predators 5-4 in an overtime thriller, capped by a game-winning goal from captain Auston Matthews with just 14 seconds remaining in the extra period.

McKenna’s milestone night began early in the second period with the Maple Leafs trailing 3-0. At 4:56 of the frame, the 18-year-old earned his first NHL point by providing the primary assist on a goal by John Tavares. Later in the same period, McKenna found the back of the net himself at 14:31, beating Nashville goaltender Juuse Saros to pull Toronto within one. At 18 years and 290 days old, McKenna became the ninth-youngest player in franchise history to score a goal.

The Comeback and Matthews’ Heroics

The Predators established a commanding lead early behind a vintage performance from Steven Stamkos. Stamkos scored twice in the opening stages of the game, moving into 17th place on the NHL’s all-time goals list. Despite the 3-0 hole, Toronto’s offense found its rhythm following McKenna’s involvement. The comeback was solidified in the third period, setting the stage for Matthews to end the game in the final moments of overtime.

The play also highlighted a rare statistical occurrence: with Matthews providing an assist on McKenna’s first career goal earlier in the evening, it marked only the ninth time in NHL history that a former No. 1 overall pick assisted the first career goal of a fellow No. 1 pick.

Analysis of McKenna’s Debut Impact

McKenna’s transition to the NHL comes after a highly touted path through the NCAA with Penn State following his time with the Medicine Hat Tigers. This was his fourth professional game, and his offensive production suggests the high-end playmaking ability that made him the consensus top pick is translating quickly to the professional level.

The victory provides an early-season boost for the Toronto bench. While Nashville’s power play and Stamkos’ scoring efficiency challenged the Maple Leafs’ defensive structure early, the ability of the younger core to drive the second-half resurgence remains a significant development for the roster’s current trajectory.

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