The Toronto Maple Leafs are entering the new NHL season with plenty of questions surrounding the team’s future, and one of the biggest involves captain Auston Matthews.
During the offseason, Matthews’ long-term future became a major talking point as Toronto underwent significant changes within both its front office and playing roster.
One of the most intriguing additions to the organization is Gavin McKenna, selected first overall in the 2026 NHL Draft. The highly regarded young forward has already generated considerable excitement, with several hockey observers expecting him to make an immediate impact at the NHL level.
That has naturally sparked debate over how Toronto could use McKenna. One possibility would be placing him alongside Matthews on the top line, potentially creating a formidable offensive combination. Another option would be giving McKenna his own line alongside experienced stars such as John Tavares and William Nylander.
Amid all the speculation, hockey agent Alexei Dementyev recently offered his own prediction about Matthews’ future. Speaking exclusively to Championat, Dementyev made a bold claim that could add even more intrigue to the Leafs’ upcoming season.
