Toronto Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka traveled to Whitehorse, Yukon, weeks before the 2026 NHL Draft to meet top prospect Gavin McKenna and his family, a visit that cemented the decision to select him with the first overall pick.
Chayka's journey to the Yukon
Chayka described the trip as essential to understanding McKenna's background. 'I wanted to see first-hand, his upbringing, the person,' Chayka said Saturday at McKenna's introductory press conference. 'What I saw was someone who loved his community and whose community loves him, a big part of who he is. For the Yukon, it’s a pretty special event and for me, his story defines him.'
Whitehorse is approximately 5,300 kilometers from Toronto, and Chayka noted the unusual daylight at 11 p.m. 'That was a new one for me,' Chayka laughed. 'Beautiful place. With everything going on in the world right now there are few you can go to and be with nature. I spent four or five hours talking with his family (Mom Krystal and father Willy), learning what makes him tick and answering questions they had.'
The GM emphasized the importance of building trust. 'You only have one shot at this and I wanted to leave no stone unturned. It’s important to start building relationships. I have three kids now and if one were going to play somewhere, I’d want to feel comfortable he’s in good hands and people will look after him.'
McKenna's love for the game
Chayka was impressed by McKenna's self-driven work ethic. 'He was out on the ice by himself working on his game, no skills coach, no skating coach, no trainer. Just love of the game. We quickly realized he was more than a player, that we’re getting a special person, who’ll one day be a leader for this franchise.'
The only nerve-wracking moment came when McKenna, then 18, offered to drive up a nearby mountain. 'I had my eyes closed for most of it,' Chayka laughed.
Introduction at the draft
McKenna was introduced on the draft floor by Canadian pop icon and Leaf super-fan Justin Bieber. He received a congratulatory call from Chayka before reaching the podium with commissioner Gary Bettman. 'One of the best calls, if not the best I’ve ever received,' McKenna said. 'It was loud in there and hard to hear, but a special moment when you realize you’re going first. That call was a big relief.'
After the draft late Friday, McKenna was driven into Toronto from Buffalo, seeing the CN Tower and skyline for the first time as a Maple Leaf. 'Last night was crazy,' McKenna said. 'I’ve been to Toronto before I was drafted and people were coming up to me asking for photos. I’m excited to meet all these people.'
First days as a Leaf
McKenna and friends headed to his first-ever Blue Jays game Saturday afternoon, where he was expected to throw out the first pitch. He will be in uniform at the Ford Centre by next week for the Leafs development camp, with a chance to spend time with alternate captain John Tavares, who has hosted Leaf rookies at his home in the past.
Chayka's trip to Whitehorse underscored the franchise's commitment to understanding McKenna as a person, not just a player. 'He’s more than a player,' Chayka said. 'He’ll one day be a leader for this franchise.'
