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NHLFeature
The Athletic takes a stance on Maple Leafs' decision to draft Gavin McKenna or not
TL;DR
The Toronto Maple Leafs face a crucial decision on whether to draft Canadian prospect Gavin McKenna with the No. 1 overall pick in the NHL Draft. McKenna, who played at Penn State, is a top contender in this year's draft class.
Key points
- Toronto Maple Leafs have the No. 1 overall pick in the NHL Draft
- Gavin McKenna is a top prospect from Penn State
- The decision to draft McKenna could shape the team's future
Mentioned in this story
NHLPenn State
Gavin McKennaToronto Maple Leafs
The Athletic takes a stance on Maple Leafs' decision to draft Gavin McKenna or not originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have a decision to make.
That's what happens when you get the No. 1 overall pick in the NHL Draft through the lottery -- everyone in the draft class is there to choose from.
That of course includes Gavin McKenna, the Canadian phenom who spent this past season in the NCAA ranks at Penn State.
McKenna is the favorite, but there are other choices, and that's where the Maple Leafs will spend the time between now and the draft.
Is there anyone they actually should choose over McKenna? That's the big question.
The Athletic's Corey Pronman, in a new mock draft, thinks the answer is no.
"McKenna is the consensus favorite for the top spot right now, though we’re still early enough in the process that it’s not a done deal yet," Pronman writes. "There are camps in the scouting world that have other preferences, be it a particular defenseman, Ivar Stenberg, or Caleb Malhotra. It’s hard to see the Maple Leafs passing on his dynamic skill and vision at No. 1 as it currently stands."
MORE:The Mitch Marner irony of Auston Matthews' future with the Maple Leafs
Q&A
What are the implications of the Maple Leafs drafting Gavin McKenna?
Drafting Gavin McKenna could significantly impact the Maple Leafs' roster and future, given his status as a top prospect.
Who is Gavin McKenna and what are his achievements?
Gavin McKenna is a Canadian hockey player who recently played at Penn State, recognized for his exceptional skills and potential in the NHL.
When is the NHL Draft and how does the lottery affect team selections?
The NHL Draft occurs annually, and the lottery determines the order of picks, giving teams like the Maple Leafs a chance to select top prospects like McKenna.