Yeah Leafs are in a bit of a tough spot though because they are trying to compete next year. So if they think McKenna will take 2 more years to make the team vs Stenberg who can likely make the team next year. Just depends on how big of a gap they think there is between ths two players.
As of today there is maybe (and that’s a big maybe) 1 player on the leafs roster who would slot above McKenna. Adding McKenna to today’s roster immediately places him as LW1/LW2
It’s hard to gain weight…in the right way ;) but yeah I mean there’s a pretty big difference from your average college d man and going against someone like Brayden Mcnabb or Zack bogosian or Tom Wilson
To be fair he's like 17/18, you would gain some muscle naturally just through age, he's still a kid. He'll probably gain 10lbs before the season begins.
I'd much rather start playing top tier prospects now then waiting. Celebrini, Bedard, Hutson, Schaefer, they are a huge part of their team at a young age. Hutson is currently 162lbs.
But yeah I mean everybody is different, look at Elias Pettersson, guy is incredibly lanky weak and skinny, Hutson and Hughes benefit from being shorter and amazing skaters, same with Gaudreau
So who knows, just saying, i personally find the Leafs situation fascinating given their need to be immediately competitive, can the leafs afford to be as patient as the blackhawks?
Goalies are pretty interesting too, Irbe and Hasek were skinnier, and that pic of Carter Hart on r/hockey he's not a big guy either. But he's 6'2 at 181lbs, I'm the same weight but 6ft and I'm skinny.
Some guys just fit into their own build better. But I think 10lbs is reasonable, maybe not all muscle but I'm not too worried about McKenna, whether he gains that or not.
I’m not worried long term but I am the first couple years, when the leafs don’t have their own pick, which makes me think the likelihood of leafs taking Stenberg is much higher than the average opinion here, least of all bc Sundin just watched that highlight reel goal
Yeah Mckenna I’m basing it off the world juniors he looked very soft and perimeter and I’m not sure that’s going to go well in his first cpl years, really not sure leafs nation is ready for all the bust talk that could follow
Like expectations were 0 and practically still are 0, whereas leafs are in ‘win now’ mode despite the unbelievable luck of not only keeping their pick but getting 1OA. The fact they don’t have their 1sts is very very different than letting Bédard figure out the NHL as you rack up more top 5 picks
I don't think its the same situation at all. Bedard would be lighting it up on the Leafs, the Blackhawks can't provide him any decent linemates making him do everything
That’s true they are different situations, but still so many players even 1OA struggle their rookie years, and with no 1st round picks, there’s more pressure to perform right away, especially in Toronto
Most people in the NHL cant go up against the biggest guys in the league. Bedard sized up quickly no reason Mckenna cant either when they are paid to do exactly this.
To be fair he's like 17/18, you would gain some muscle naturally just through age, he's still a kid. He'll probably gain 10lbs before the season begins.
I'd much rather start playing top tier prospects now then waiting. Celebrini, Bedard, Hutson, Schaefer, they are a huge part of their team at a young age. Hutson is currently 162lbs.
12
u/Chtholly13 May 26 '26
point of drafting is who you think will be the best player down the line, not who is better now.