First overall pick Gavin McKenna skated on a line with John Tavares and William Nylander during the Toronto Maple Leafs' first practice of training camp Thursday.
"It feels good knowing that the staff has confidence in me, putting me with those types of players," McKenna told reporters after his first official NHL practice. "So, it was fun being out there with them. I think they're both super smart players.
"With John, he's a workhorse. With Willy, he's so skilled. I think, for me, just trying to play my game. I'm not trying to change things up and just make my plays and try to get toward the net. I think pucks will find me with those types of players, and it should be fun."
McKenna added that "nothing's set in stone" regarding his role and that he has to "earn that stay there," considering the other talent on the Leafs' roster.
New Leafs head coach Jim Hiller said he's told the three players "for a while" that they would be starting on a line together. He also acknowledged the potential defensive concerns with the trio.
"That's gonna really be on John and Willy to do their job extremely well and then help Gavin along the way," Hiller explained.
McKenna was drafted first overall less than three months ago, while Tavares was selected with the top pick 17 years ago. The veteran is excited to play with McKenna, whose playmaking he called "elite."
"100%," Tavares said when asked if playing with McKenna is invigorating. "You know, in a lot of ways, I honestly feel the same way today that probably he does. Just the butterflies, the excitement. I got a little bit more experience, so I understand how that comes and goes, but the excitement and passion for the game, I think, in a lot of ways, is similar."
Nylander, meanwhile, liked the early chemistry between the trio.
"I thought we had some very good opportunities just today in practice when we were out there," Nylander said. "We just wanna keep building and don't wanna get too far ahead of ourselves. Just take it day by day."
McKenna tallied 15 goals and 51 points in 35 games at Penn State last season. Nylander recorded 79 points in 65 contests last year, and Tavares had 71 points in 82 games; they ranked first and second, respectively, on the Leafs in scoring.
