Toronto Maple Leafs face high expectations for Gavin McKenna and breakout prospects

The Toronto Maple Leafs enter the 2026-27 NHL season with high expectations surrounding first-overall draft pick Gavin McKenna. While McKenna is considered a primary breakout candidate due to his offensive potential, other players are also positioned for significant development.

Potential breakout players include Easton Cowan, a 21-year-old forward who recorded 29 points in his rookie season, and Bo Groulx, a 26-year-old forward coming off a strong AHL campaign with the Toronto Marlies. Additionally, newcomer Emil Andrae is noted as a prospect to watch on the blue line.

Discussions regarding McKenna's trajectory suggest high benchmarks for his performance. On TSN's OverDrive, host Bryan Hayes expressed that averaging 50 points per year over his first three seasons would be "very underwhelming," arguing that a first-overall pick should ideally become a "point-a-game player" by that stage in his career.