Toronto’s next home game offers more than a regular-season matchup. The Maple Leafs will host the New York Islanders at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, October 17, in a rematch featuring the first selections from the 2025 and 2026 NHL Drafts.
Gavin McKenna went first overall to Toronto in 2026, while New York selected Matthew Schaefer with the top pick one year earlier. Their first meeting ended with a 2-1 Islanders victory, but neither player appeared on the scoresheet.
This time, McKenna enters the game with stronger momentum, while Schaefer arrives as one of the most influential young defensemen in the league. Auston Matthews also remains a central factor for Toronto, giving the home team another elite offensive threat to support its rookie star.
McKenna Looks More Comfortable in Toronto
McKenna’s NHL introduction was relatively quiet. The 18-year-old went without a point in his first three games, but he soon began to show the skill that made him the top selection in the draft.
He followed that opening stretch with points in three consecutive games, totaling one goal and three assists. His first NHL goal came against Nashville, and he later recorded assists against Vegas and Colorado.
The production matters, but the larger development is McKenna’s growing comfort. He is adjusting to faster defensive coverage, stronger opponents and the physical demands of professional hockey. His creativity is becoming easier to spot as he gains trust and experience.
Against the Islanders, McKenna will have another opportunity to turn that progress into a complete performance. A productive night against Schaefer would add even more attention to their emerging rivalry.
Schaefer Gives New York a Defensive Advantage
Schaefer has already moved beyond the usual expectations placed on a rookie defenseman. He played a major role for New York last season and earned the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s top first-year player.
His rookie campaign included 59 points, with 23 goals and 36 assists over 82 games. Those totals set a record for points by an 18-year-old defenseman, while his goal total matched the rookie defenseman record established by Brian Leetch.
Schaefer has carried that responsibility into the current season. Before Saturday’s game, he had recorded four assists and was averaging more than 25 minutes per night, the highest workload on the Islanders.
That heavy usage could place him across from McKenna for extended stretches. Schaefer’s skating allows him to close gaps quickly, and his puck movement can turn a defensive stop into an immediate transition chance.
Matthews Keeps the Maple Leafs Dangerous
Although McKenna and Schaefer will attract most of the attention, Toronto’s attack still begins with Auston Matthews. The Maple Leafs captain remains their most dangerous finisher and can change the game whenever he receives time in the offensive zone.
Matthews has also helped McKenna settle into the lineup. He assisted on the rookie’s first NHL goal and has supported his confidence during the early stages of his professional career.
New York must therefore make difficult choices. Committing too many defenders to McKenna could leave Matthews open, while concentrating heavily on Matthews may give the rookie additional room to create plays. Toronto’s growing combination of experience and youth makes its attack harder to predict.
Four Factors That Could Shape the Result
- Toronto’s opening pressure. The Maple Leafs will benefit from establishing possession early and forcing New York to defend before it can create a structured game plan.
- The McKenna-Schaefer battle. Their direct matchup may not decide every shift, but it could influence puck possession and transition opportunities throughout the night.
- Special teams. A close game can turn on one power play, particularly when both teams have skilled forwards capable of converting limited chances.
- Goaltending. Toronto and New York have enough offensive talent to generate dangerous chances, making timely saves especially important.
The Islanders will likely prefer a controlled contest rather than an open, end-to-end exchange. Their best approach is to protect the middle of the ice, limit Matthews’ shooting opportunities and prevent Toronto’s forwards from building speed through the neutral zone.
Toronto, meanwhile, needs to avoid a slow offensive start. The Leafs lost the first meeting 2-1, so generating more sustained pressure could be essential if they want a different result at home.
What to Watch in the Rematch
McKenna’s offensive response
McKenna recorded one shot in 15:32 during the earlier meeting. With a three-game scoring run now behind him, Toronto will want to see him create more offensive-zone chances and remain involved away from the puck.
Schaefer’s workload
Schaefer had three shots in the previous matchup and frequently faced Toronto’s highly regarded rookie. His ability to handle major minutes while still contributing offensively will be one of New York’s biggest advantages.
Matthews’ influence
Matthews does not need to score to control a game. His presence can draw defenders, open lanes for teammates and create space for McKenna to attack.
Saturday’s game gives Toronto a chance to answer the Islanders after the narrow loss in the first meeting. It also provides another stage for two recent top picks whose careers are developing on different timelines.
McKenna is beginning to find his rhythm, while Schaefer has already established himself as a centerpiece for New York. With Matthews leading the Maple Leafs’ attack, Scotiabank Arena should feature plenty of skill and star power.
Game time: New York Islanders at Toronto Maple Leafs, Saturday, October 17 at 7 p.m. ET.