McKenna Says Benching Came With Coach's Reassurance
Toronto rookie Gavin McKenna said Jim Hiller told him that sitting for the final 32:54 of Thursday's overtime loss to Buffalo was not a reflection of his play. McKenna, who logged 6:36 in the game, said he tried to learn from veterans while watching from the bench. He has been placed on the top power-play unit with John Tavares out week-to-week because of a lower-body injury.
McKenna, an 18-year-old Toronto rookie, logged 6:36 in Thursday’s 5-4 overtime defeat to Buffalo and did not return after the second period’s 10:20 mark. Coach Jim Hiller later told him the limited role was not tied to his performance, and McKenna said he used the bench time to observe established teammates such as Matthews, Tavares and Nylander.
Before that game, McKenna had set a career high with 17:08 against Utah and was averaging 13:57 over eight appearances, with five points and 13 shots. With Tavares sidelined week-to-week by a lower-body issue, McKenna joined Toronto’s first power-play group. The Leafs, 3-3-2, were set to face the Islanders.
This development may matter most to young athletes, coaches, and Toronto fans. It could reinforce that limited ice time is sometimes a developmental decision rather than a verdict on a rookie’s ability. For McKenna, the larger power-play opportunity may shape short-term expectations and confidence. For observers, the episode could highlight how clear communication between coaches and teenage professionals affects mental readiness and public perception. It may also influence how fans discuss bench management in high-pressure markets.