Gavin McKenna’s First NHL Goal Powers Maple Leafs Comeback

On October 6, 2026, the Toronto Maple Leafs rallied from a 4-2 deficit to defeat the Nashville Predators 5-4 in overtime at Scotiabank Arena. In his fourth NHL game, 18-year-old forward Gavin McKenna recorded his first career point—a primary assist on John Tavares’s goal at 4:56 of the second period—and his first NHL goal at 14:31 of the same period, a high-slot wrist shot that beat goaltender Juuse Saros. The goal cut the lead to 4-3 and set the stage for an overtime winner by captain Auston Matthews with 14 seconds remaining.

Maple Leafs 5-4 Predators: Gavin McKenna scores first NHL goal as Toronto complete dramatic comeback SportskeedaGavin McKenna First NHL Goal: No. 1 Pick Scores vs. Predators Gavin McKenna stuns Predators with first NHL goal, spurs Maple Leafs comeback UsNews and World ReportWATCH: No. 1 pick Gavin McKenna scores first NHL goal Heavy

McKenna entered the 2026-27 season as the No. 1 overall pick, arriving from Penn State after posting 15 goals and 51 points in 35 NCAA games. The Leafs also added goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, defenseman Darren Raddysh and winger Kirill Marchenko in the off-season.

UsNews and World Report

• Final score: Toronto 5, Nashville 4 (OT).

Maple Leafs 5-4 Predators: Gavin McKenna scores first NHL goal as Toronto complete dramatic comeback

• McKenna: 1 goal, 1 assist (2 points).

Gavin McKenna let something slip after his first goal

• Goal time: 14:31 of the second period; assist time: 4:56 of the second period.

Sportskeeda

• He became the ninth-youngest Leaf to score his first NHL goal and the youngest since Luke Richardson in 1987.

Maple Leafs 5-4 Predators: Gavin McKenna scores first NHL goal as Toronto complete dramatic comeback

• The victory marked Toronto’s first three-goal comeback win since January 1, 2026, when the Leafs overcame a three-goal deficit to beat Winnipeg 6-5.

Maple Leafs 5-4 Predators: Gavin McKenna scores first NHL goal as Toronto complete dramatic comeback

Captain Auston Matthews said the goal gave McKenna a confidence boost and highlighted the rookie’s “skill and talent.” McKenna described the goal as “a big monkey off the back,” noting it silenced media scrutiny of his scoreless start.

Gavin McKenna let something slip after his first goal

• “A big monkey off the back,” — Gavin McKenna

Toronto Sun

• “Not a Leafs fan but pretty damn happy Gavin McKenna shut a lot of people up tonight,” — Bardown’s Jesse Pollock

Heavy

• “That one felt good. That’s a goal I’ll remember forever.” — Auston Matthews

Toronto Sun

These reactions, while unverified, illustrate the immediate buzz surrounding McKenna’s emergence.

Gavin McKenna hughes critics and scores a beautiful first NHL goal

The two-point night removes the early-season scoring drought that had dominated discussion of McKenna’s development. With the Leafs now 2-2-0, the rookie’s confidence boost is expected to translate into more aggressive play and supports the coaching staff’s decision to give him top-line minutes early in his career.

Gavin McKenna scores gorgeous first NHL goal for the Maple Leafs

Toronto’s next challenge is an away game against the defending Western Conference champion Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday, marking the start of a three-game road trip that will test the Leafs’ momentum after the comeback win.

Gavin McKenna stuns Predators with first NHL goal, spurs Maple Leafs comeback