Gavin McKenna has seen it firsthand. In Toronto, the attention can come just as quickly as the points. Three games without a point have already shown the Maple Leafs‘ No. 1 pick what the media spotlight can be like in the city.
McKenna has yet to get on the scoresheet through his first three NHL games, and he joked about the attention surrounding his slow start.
“Especially in the Toronto media putting up zero points in three games, I think you hear about it. So maybe that’s my welcome to the NHL.”
McKenna has still been creating chances, including setting up several good opportunities for his linemates. He has dealt with scoreless stretches before and said confidence will be important.
“It’s obviously not where you want it to be, but at the end of the day, I’ve been on many streaks where I’ve put up no points,” McKenna said. “Had a tough start to college last year and, started to figure things out from there. So, yeah, I think just honestly learning from last year and learning from these first few games, I think is going to be key. And just, I think sticking with it, being confident. I think I know it’s going to come, so just keep working and have confidence.”
Gavin McKenna has three shots on goal while averaging 14:32 of ice time through his first three games. He is set to play his fourth NHL game Tuesday when Toronto hosts the Nashville Predators. The Maple Leafs are 1-2-0 to start the season.
Steven Stamkos has some advice for Gavin McKenna amid Toronto spotlight
Gavin McKenna has played only three NHL games, but his scoreless start has already become a talking point in Toronto. Steven Stamkos knows what comes with being a highly touted young player, and he also knows Toronto brings a different level of attention.
Stamkos spoke to reporters before Tuesday’s game and compared his experience after being drafted first overall with what McKenna is facing now.
“I don’t think many people knew who I was in Tampa when I got drafted, so completely different set of circumstances. When you come to a place like this, it’s a pressure cooker”
Stamkos also saw the Toronto spotlight for himself when he arrived in the city.
“I walked into our hotel last night and the TV was on in the hotel, and it was all Maple Leafs, right? There’s not many cities you walk into and it’s like that.”
Stamkos has scored 625 goals over 19 NHL seasons and is now one of the league’s veterans. Gavin McKenna has yet to score through three games, but Stamkos doesn’t see a reason for the 18-year-old to worry this early in his career.
Edited by Sonali Verma