'Wasn't A Swagger Thing': Maple Leafs Rookie Gavin McKenna Explains Why He Missed Morning Skate Before NHL Debut

It was taken as a bold move for an 18-year-old not to take the optional morning skate ahead of the biggest game of his hockey career so far. However, it got a positive reaction from teammates and head coach Jim Hiller.

Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev said McKenna's "got some swag" for not going out for the optional morning skate. Even Hiller said, "I actually thought it was great," admitting that the morning skate is for players who feel they need to further prepare for the game later.

On Friday after practice, McKenna was asked about his decision to miss the morning skate.