Maple Leafs Make a Big, Well-Received Call on Gavin McKenna at Rookie Camp

The Toronto Maple Leafs organization is taking no chances with one of its most exciting young assets. Toronto Marlies head coach Steve Sullivan confirmed that highly touted rookie Gavin McKenna will not be joining the team’s group of prospects on their upcoming trip to Gatineau this weekend.

McKenna was present for practice with his teammates on Friday, but the decision has been made to keep him out of game action entirely for the tournament. He will not make the trip to Gatineau for Prospects Challenge. According to Sullivan, Maple Leafs management wants him rested and ready for what lies ahead this season.

“Management’s made the decision to have him participate last night, with the opening dinner, also have him practice here with the group,” Sullivan said. “But what’s best for him is to stay here, continue to train with the NHL players and get prepared for a big season.”

As much as that might be true, this decision also likely comes down to protecting the young star. As many fans pointed out when the news spread on social media, many players (rookies) are looking to make a name for themselves and would happily do so at the expense of one of the game’s future stars. There is no doubt that the physical nature of prospect tournaments, where lesser-known players sometimes look to make a statement against top talent, would be a potential problem. The last thing the Maple Leafs want is McKenna getting injured before the season starts.

Keeping McKenna in Toronto rather than exposing him to that risk is being viewed by many as a smart, low-risk decision from Leafs management.

“Making sure no player wanting to make a name for himself runs him over at this tournament. Stay in Toronto. Good plan,” wrote one fan. Another added, “Actually probably the right decision we know how cheap shot artists get in this who wanna make a name for themselves.”

For an organization banking heavily on McKenna’s long-term upside, this looks like an easy call — better safe now than sorry later. McKenna seems to be OK with the decision. “I was just doing whatever the team wanted me to do,” he told the media. “Obviously it would be fun to play some games, but they think me staying here is best, and I’m okay with that.”

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