Home/Articles/NHL
NHL·November 6, 2026 04:01 PM ET

Maple Leafs shift Gavin McKenna to second power-play unit

John Tavares transitions to the wing in lineup reshuffle

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 17m1 min read
Post on X
TOR
Toronto Maple LeafsNHL

What happened: The Toronto Maple Leafs coaching staff has reassigned Gavin McKenna to the second power-play unit. The tactical switch also moves veteran forward John Tavares from center to the wing.

Why it matters: The adjustment aims to rebalance Toronto's special-teams units while easing puck-handling duties for McKenna. Shifting Tavares outside alters the Maple Leafs' top-six forward deployment and changes their secondary scoring looks.

What to watch: Toronto will test the new personnel combinations during upcoming team skates and game action.

Sources

More on Gavin McKenna

CONVERSATION
Loading comments…
NHLAnalysisToronto Maple LeafsGavin McKennaJohn Tavares
Follow NHL Intelligence
Real-time signals and analysis
@WireReportPuck
WR Pro
The day's sports, briefed to your inbox at 7am ET. Every claim sourced.
$9/monthFree weekly newsletter →
RELATED STORIES
← Back to Wire Report