The 18-year-old, selected first overall in the 2026 NHL Draft, delivered his breakthrough performance in his fourth NHL game, while Auston Matthews completed Toronto's comeback by scoring the overtime winner with just 14 seconds remaining.
Predators race into a three-goal lead
Nashville looked firmly in control early at Scotiabank Arena, opening a 3-0 lead through two goals from Steven Stamkos and another from Nils Höglander.
Stamkos' first goal was his 626th in the NHL, moving him past Joe Sakic and Jarome Iginla and into 17th place on the league's all-time goalscoring list.
McKenna sparks the Toronto comeback
Toronto finally found a response through John Tavares, who pulled one back early in the second period.
McKenna then announced himself on the NHL stage.
The rookie first registered his first NHL point, providing the primary assist for Tavares' goal. He later scored Toronto's third goal, cutting Nashville's advantage to 4-3 with a superb shot into the top corner.
It was McKenna's first NHL goal and gave him his first multi-point game.
The historic moment also carried an unusual connection: McKenna's first NHL goal was assisted by Auston Matthews, another former first-overall pick. The NHL noted that McKenna became only the second player in league history to have his first point assisted by a former first-overall selection and then have his first goal assisted by another former first-overall pick.
Roslovic forces overtime
The Maple Leafs continued to push and were rewarded in the third period when Jack Roslovic scored at 8:52 to level the contest at 4-4.
Toronto had appeared to take the lead later in the period when William Nylander found the net, but Nashville's successful offside challenge overturned the goal.
That sent the game into overtime.
Matthews completes the comeback
With the game seemingly destined for another dramatic twist, Auston Matthews delivered the decisive moment.
With only 14 seconds remaining in overtime, Matthews collected the rebound from a William Nylander shot and fired home the winner to complete Toronto's remarkable comeback.
Matthews finished the night with one goal and three assists, giving him four points, while Nylander contributed a goal and two assists.
McKenna enters the record books
McKenna finished with one goal and one assist, making him the youngest Maple Leafs player since Luke Richardson in 1987 to score his first NHL goal at such a young age.
At 18 years and 290 days, McKenna became the ninth-youngest player in franchise history when he scored his first NHL goal.
The victory also marked Toronto's first comeback win after trailing by three goals since January 1, 2026, when the Maple Leafs defeated Winnipeg 6-5.
Game summary
• Toronto Maple Leafs: John Tavares, William Nylander, Gavin McKenna, Jack Roslovic, Auston Matthews
• Nashville Predators: Steven Stamkos (2), Nils Höglander (2)
The 5-4 overtime victory moved Toronto to 2-2-0 on the young NHL season, while Nashville fell to 1-1-1.