Steven Ellis

Like Bedard was playing a lot of his first year with, you know, it was supposed to be Corey Perry, didn't last long.

There was Nick Foligno, you know, Tyler Bertuzzi the last couple of years.

That's cool and all, but...

That's not John Tavares.

That's not Austin Matthews.

You're not playing with one of the best goal scorers of the generation.

So I think that would be very beneficial.

And the fact that McKenna's not a center means there's less responsibility for him as a two-way player, and he can go out there and focus on just getting comfortable, getting stronger, being part of that grind.

So I actually do think the NHL is the right move, and not just because he's the best prospect in the league.

I think you can also make an argument that Ivor Stenberg could probably play in the NHL next year.

You can make an argument that Albert Smits could play in the NHL next year, and he's got a lower ceiling.

I do think McKenna should be top six Toronto Maple Leafs right away.

conspiracy theory or thought you look at that second half of the year and it's hard to disagree like he became much more aggressive like he yes he punched his old line me Caden Lidstrom in the face like this is a guy that all of a sudden was no longer afraid of going into the corners is he going to knock guys down in the NHL no that's not his game

But can he handle himself physically?

I think he's in a better spot than he was before.

And, you know, we always talk about, is there too small to be a star player in the NHL?

And I think with Jack Hughes, you look at a lot of injuries.

If he was six foot two, a bit stronger, would he be fine?

Potentially.

But at the same time, like at his best with the puck, when he's healthy, he's actually fantastic.