Gavin McKenna will enter the NHL as one of the most hyped prospects in recent memory. It’s rare territory to be in, but a few players that have been in his shoes weighed in on what lies ahead for the Toronto Maple Leafs’ rookie.

Edmonton Oilers forward Zach Hyman hosted his annual golf tournament, the Zach Hyman Celebrity Classic, where several players across the NHL joined him to raise money for various organizations, including SickKids. Connor McDavid was among those in attendance, and naturally, he was asked about what McKenna could anticipate during his first year with the Maple Leafs.

“I don’t know much about him,” McDavid said via TSN’s Mark Masters. “Seems like he’s a good kid. He’ll have his hands full in Toronto, but he seems like he’s prepared for it. He’ll have a good support system there too with Auston. He’ll have a lot of support around him.”

That certainly makes sense, as McDavid is 10 years senior to McKenna, entering the NHL with tremendous fanfare ahead of the 2015 NHL Draft. McKenna will be insulated by Auston Matthews and John Tavares as two former first overall picks, with Matthews going first overall to Toronto exactly ten years ago. Hyman spoke to Matthews’ leadership directly, stemming from his experience with the Leafs over five seasons, before joining the Oilers following the 2020-21 season.

“He’s got a great mentor in Auston,” Hyman said. “Auston’s been through it. He’s a first overall pick. He’s grown so much as a person and a player. There’s no better person to guide him than Auston. I don’t know Gavin personally, but he’s in good hands.”

It’s an exciting year ahead for McKenna and the Maple Leafs. Toronto overhauled its entire roster, and is expected to compete for a playoff spot, after missing the playoffs for the first time in a decade. Expectations ought to be tempered, but that’s not necessarily our responsibility, and while there may be some growing pains during McKenna’s rookie year, he has a ready-made mentor in Matthews to ease his transition to the NHL.