John Chayka's controversial Gavin McKenna decision is already drawing reactions

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David St-Jean
June 3, 2026  (10:31 PM)

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Photo credit: Dan Rainville / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Maple Leafs weren't even in the room. As of Wednesday at the NHL Combine, Gavin McKenna, the most coveted draft prospect in years, is having dinner with the Canucks only.

No Leafs. No Sharks.

Reporter Sheng Peng flagged it Wednesday on X, writing: "No Maple Leafs or Sharks. I doubt that means anything for his draft stock, but it's interesting."

Interesting is one way to put it. From a Toronto perspective, it is a reminder of exactly where this franchise sits heading into the draft lottery.

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The Leafs finished 28th overall with 78 points and a -46 goal differential. They went 2-7-1 in their last 10 games, lost seven straight to close the season.

That is not a playoff team that missed by a game or two.

That is a roster that collapsed in real time, and now they are on the outside looking in at the dinner table with the most coveted player available.

Vancouver finished dead last in the league at 32nd overall. Twenty-five wins. Fifty-eight points. A goal differential of -100.

The Canucks had the best odds at the first overall pick, but the Leafs got it.

But here is the thing that should bother Leafs fans: Toronto was not mentioned alongside the Sharks either, and San Jose select in the second position.

Both teams have a chance. Only one got a seat.

Whether McKenna ends up in Toronto or not, the optics are not good for a Maple Leafs front office that is supposed to be rebuilding with urgency.

A team that goes 32-36-14 and allows 299 goals against is not just losing. It is drifting. And right now, the most talented player in the draft is having dinner with somebody else.

Previously

An unexpected family reunion trade is suddenly on the Oilers' radar

Canadiens set to bend the rules for Brendan Gallagher

A new controversy emerges in the Bruce Cassidy and Golden Knights drama

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JUIN 3   |   1087 ANSWERS John Chayka's controversial Gavin McKenna decision is already drawing reactions Should the Maple Leafs have secured a dinner meeting with Gavin McKenna at the Combine?

▢    Yes

▢    No

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