NHL’s first overall pick was benched – the head coach admitted directly: “I should have”
Toronto Maple Leafs’ top prospect Gavin McKenna, 18, had to watch Thursday’s NHL game against the Buffalo Sabres from the bench for a long time.
The first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft saw only six minutes and 36 seconds of ice time in the game. McKenna managed to get on the ice for nine shifts before his game ended midway through the second period.
The young Canadian forward was not seen on the ice again in the third period or in overtime. Toronto lost its 4–2 lead in the game and ultimately succumbed to Buffalo in overtime with a score of 4–5.
Maple Leafs head coach Jim Hiller took responsibility for McKenna’s limited ice time after the game. According to him, the situation arose from penalties in the second period during which McKenna had to wait for his turn on the bench.
– It was my decision. We had a stretch where we took two penalties. I wanted to get him on the ice, but he had to sit during that time. After that, I couldn’t get him back on the ice, Hiller told Sportsnet.
McKenna’s benching ended up lasting significantly longer than the head coach had originally intended.
– He had been sitting for a long time, and then there was an intermission on top of that. I probably should have let him on the ice at the start of the third period, but I didn’t. I plan to discuss it with him.
– The main reason was the penalties. That’s just how it happened, and the responsibility is mine, Hiller stated.
McKenna had averaged about 15 minutes of ice time per game in his first seven games of the season.
The Canadian prospect started his NHL career with three scoreless games but had since found his rhythm. Before facing Buffalo, he had recorded points in four consecutive games with 2+3=5.
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