Gavin McKenna responds to Leafs' power-play demotion, and his answer speaks volumes

Gavin McKenna has responded to being bumped off the Maple Leafs' top power-play unit, and the 18-year-old didn't hide behind a canned answer.

The No. 1 pick lost his PP1 spot to John Tavares at practice this morning, and Terry Koshan relayed what McKenna said about it afterward.

According to Mark Masters' report on Jim Hiller's power-play change, Tavares is back on the top unit with McKenna moved down. The reaction came quickly.

Koshan shared McKenna's response, and the rookie said he's not bothered by a veteran taking his spot:

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It's a refreshingly honest take from a kid who doesn't have to say much. McKenna pointed to the experience in the room and said guys who have been in the league a long time know how to run that power play.

The numbers back up why Hiller might have been reluctant to touch it. McKenna has 3 power-play goals and 2 power-play assists this season, and he sits at 11 points in 17 games.

Tavares has 1 power-play goal and 3 power-play assists in 7 games. He's listed as being out until at least Nov. 7 on the latest injury report, though Koshan reported he figures to be back in the lineup tomorrow night against the Habs.

What Tavares' return means for Toronto's power play

Tavares has 1,273 games and 527 goals on his NHL résumé, and Hiller is clearly leaning on that familiarity. The power play is the easiest place to hand a veteran his job back.

Still, taking the league's top pick off PP1 after he produced there is a questionable call. McKenna was scoring on that unit, and a 36-year-old coming off a lower-body injury isn't a guarantee of the same output.

The Leafs need something. They're 8-7-2, 17th in the NHL and sixth in the Atlantic, and they lost 3-2 to Utah in their last outing.

Hiller will have the chance to prove the switch right quickly. Toronto hosts Montreal on Saturday, and the first power-play look with Tavares back on the top unit comes with it.

Quick hits

MINNESOTA WILD: Brock Faber has spoken publicly for the first time since fracturing his skull, and Michael Russo and Joe Smith say his account is striking. It's worth a read for anyone who follows the Wild.

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WASHINGTON CAPITALS: Tarik El-Bashir revealed the lines and pairs from Friday's practice, one day before Florida visits. Saturday's matchup is set up nicely.

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COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS: The Blue Jackets recalled Steven Lorentz and Jack Williams from Cleveland, hours before tonight's game at Buffalo. Fresh legs for a road night.

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FLORIDA PANTHERS: Jameson Olive reports Niko Mikkola is fine after practice, and Barkov and Marchand are traveling. Good news for Florida.

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BUFFALO SABRES: Ryan McLeod will be a healthy scratch tonight when the Sabres host the Blue Jackets. That's a notable decision to see.

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