The Toronto Maple Leafs are heading into the 2026-27 season attempting to rebound from one of their most disappointing campaigns in years.
Toronto earned 78 points in the regular season, its lowest tally in a non-shortened regular season since 2016, missed the playoffs for the first time since that same year, and underwent significant organizational changes this summer.
The Leafs fired both their general manager and head coach at the end of the season, hired John Chayka as their new general manager and Jim Hiller as their new head coach, and reshaped a roster by adding ten players to its NHL roster.
One of those additions is No. 1 overall pick Gavin McKenna, and veteran Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly expects the 18-year-old to make his presence felt immediately when training camp begins.
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Rielly spoke at Hockey Night in Brampton on Wednesday and discussed McKenna’s rookie-season outlook as well as his thoughts on the upcoming Leafs’ 2026-27 season.
“He’s been a busy guy,” Rielly said. “Obviously with the draft and what that brings going first overall, it’s a pretty cool off-season for him. I expect him to be at camp, flying around and just be ready to go.”
McKenna joins a roster that also added starting goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky and defenseman Darren Raddysh. For Rielly, the team-wide changes have created urgency inside the organization.
“Whenever there’s an overhaul after a down year, as players, you almost want that,” Rielly said. “You’re excited and driven and motivated to bounce back and play well.”
Rielly added that Toronto must establish that mentality immediately because of the shortened runway into the season.
“Change comes every year, but can be exciting,” Rielly said. “I think as a group, we’re just looking forward to getting going and getting playing. Camp’s right around the corner now. It’s important that camp is good and hard and fast, because it’s quick this year.”
The Leafs will open preseason with a matchup against the Montreal Canadiens on Sept. 19, and they will get their regular season going on Sept. 30 also against the Habs.
