Will Leafs Play McKenna With Matthews or Tavares?

The Toronto Maple Leafs are entering a fascinating 2026-27 season, and today, Mike DiStefano and Dave Morassutti ask two big questions: Who will be the Leafs’ most impactful player NOT named Auston Matthews, and where should Gavin McKenna start his NHL career?

First, we rank the Maple Leafs’ biggest difference-makers outside of Matthews. Is Sergei Bobrovsky the most important player on the roster after his arrival in Toronto? How important will John Tavares be? Can Darren Raddysh transform the Leafs’ power play? Will William Nylander take on an even bigger offensive role? And just how valuable will Chris Tanev and Jake McCabe be on the blue line?

Then, we turn our attention to Gavin McKenna. Where should the first-overall pick begin his NHL career? Should McKenna start on Line 1 with Auston Matthews, or would he be better served playing alongside John Tavares and William Nylander on the second line?

We break down both potential top-six combinations, the benefits of each option, and why putting McKenna on Line 2 might actually expose him to tougher shutdown matchups around the NHL.
Plus, we discuss realistic expectations for McKenna’s rookie season and what he would need to show in training camp to earn a spot alongside Matthews.

Topics covered:
🏒 Ranking the Leafs’ most impactful players NOT named Auston Matthews
🥅 Sergei Bobrovsky’s importance to Toronto’s season
⭐ John Tavares and William Nylander’s roles
🔥 Darren Raddysh and the Leafs’ power play
🛡️ Chris Tanev & Jake McCabe
🇨🇦 Gavin McKenna’s expected rookie role
👑 McKenna with Matthews or Tavares?
📈 Realistic expectations for McKenna’s rookie season
🍁 Toronto Maple Leafs 2026-27 season preview

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