Written by Josie Dinonsie
TORONTO — When the Toronto Maple Leafs selected Gavin McKenna first overall and the San Jose Sharks selected Ivar Stenberg second in the 2026 NHL Draft, expectations were high for both prospects. Their first NHL matchup on Monday night offered a glimpse into how the league's most anticipated young players are handling those expectations and how quickly circumstances can change for a rookie.
McKenna made a statement in the third period, scoring on the power play to give Toronto the lead in a game the Maple Leafs ultimately won 3-1 at Scotiabank Arena. His go-ahead goal came on a powerful wrist shot and marked his first power-play goal in the NHL. The goal also helped Toronto snap a three-game winless stretch. In contrast, Stenberg finished with a minus-one rating and one shot on net.
McKenna had the more productive night, but the bigger story is how he responded to adversity just days earlier.
On Oct. 15, during the Maple Leafs' 5-4 loss to the Buffalo Sabres, McKenna played just 6:36 and did not return to the ice after the midway point of the game. Head coach Hiller made it clear that the decision was not a reflection of poor play. Still, for any player, especially an 18-year-old rookie, a reduced role can be a humbling experience.
McKenna responded with maturity. After speaking with Hiller, he bounced back in the following game against the New York Islanders, recording a season-high 17:56 of ice time. He did not register a point, but the increased role offered an opportunity to regain momentum and continue building confidence.
“I think it’s just a confidence thing,” McKenna said following the Sharks matchup, exemplifying his desire to become a player who is looked upon in important game moments.
“He is just not afraid of the moment,” Hiller said, praising McKenna’s ability to perform in crucial situations.
Those comments point to a challenge that extends beyond McKenna's offensive production. Toronto needs him to develop into a consistent player who can contribute defensively as well. With a lineup featuring several veterans, building trust with his teammates will be an important part of his development. His recent fluctuations in ice time illustrate how demanding that process can be at the NHL level, even for a player with his offensive ability.
Stenberg, meanwhile, has enjoyed a steadier start to his NHL career. Through his first eight games, he recorded six points (2G, 4A). San Jose has recognized his offensive instincts by placing him on the first power-play unit, where his vision has helped him produce alongside the Sharks' young core.
“He has a great head on his shoulders… he’s a real savant on how he wants to play the game,” Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky said of Stenberg. His ability to handle pressure and take on new responsibilities reflects San Jose’s confidence in giving him opportunities in challenging situations, allowing him to gain experience and continue developing.
Before Monday night's matchup, McKenna directly rejected the idea of a rivalry between the two rookies.
“At the end of the day, I don't really go out thinking it's McKenna versus Stenberg. It’s Leafs versus Sharks,” he said.
Monday's result reinforced that perspective. Auston Matthews recorded a goal and two assists as Toronto delivered a complete team effort to secure the win. While McKenna provided a breakthrough moment, Stenberg's quieter night on the scoresheet does not diminish his strong start to his NHL career.
The first meeting between the 2026 draft's top two picks offered a glimpse of their development, not a verdict on their futures. McKenna demonstrated how quickly a rookie can respond to a difficult stretch, while Stenberg continues to establish his role in San Jose. Their paths may differ so far, but both face the same challenge: being drafted high brings immense expectations, and sustained performance will ultimately shape their NHL careers.
