Gavin McKenna (72) skates against the Clarkson Golden Knights during the second period at Pegula Ice Arena. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Gavin McKenna (72) skates against the Clarkson Golden Knights during the second period at Pegula Ice Arena. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
The race for the 2026 first-overall pick is effectively over. Gavin McKenna has dominated every level from the WHL to Penn State, cementing his status as hockey's next generational superstar.
The 18-year-old is widely considered the consensus No.1 pick in his draft class, and the Toronto Maple Leafs are touted to get him. McKenna's fame is rare for a prospect yet to begin his NHL journey.
At the age of 14, the left-handed left winger caught the eye of scouts. While playing in the Western Hockey League, many noted his offensive skills and elite playmaking abilities that made him stand out.
Cut to 2026, NHL scouts and analysts are raving over his production and playstyle. He has already been deemed too good to pass up in the upcoming draft by John Williams of NHL Central Scouting.
"To go by a player like him, you really better be sure," Williams said on the NHL Draft Class podcast. “I watched Gavin in Medicine Hat (of the Western Hockey League) for close to three years.”
January 5, 2026, St. Paul, Minnesota, United States: Canada forward GAVIN McKENNA 9 reacts after scoring a goal in the third period. (Image via ZUMA/Michael Turner)
January 5, 2026, St. Paul, Minnesota, United States: Canada forward GAVIN McKENNA 9 reacts after scoring a goal in the third period. (Image via ZUMA/Michael Turner)
McKenna’s time with the Medicine Hat Tigers was incredibly successful. During his breakout 2024-25 season, he posted 129 points in just 56 games. In 133 regular-season games, McKenna notched up 79 goals and 165 assists.
He led his team to the 2025 WHL Championship and a Memorial Cup final.
The season also saw McKenna break a point streak that lasted a record 36 games, leaving the Chicago Blackhawks’ first overall pick, Connor Bedard, in his wake.
His freshman year at Penn State has been no different. Despite a slow start, he led the team in scoring with 51 points (15 goals, 36 assists) in the regular season.
“I think every level that he's gone to, he quickly figures it out and is dominant,” Williams added. "From what I've seen from Gavin McKenna, he's a special player for me."
McKenna is already renowned for shot accuracy, acute vision, and playmaking, prompting comparisons to legends such as Craig Janney.
"Gavin's elite. He's dominated junior hockey like very few have in the past," TSN prospects analyst Craig Button told ESPN.
McKenna is expected to elevate the team with his patient, poised playmaking, a quality often attributed to his IQ.
With the Maple Leafs positioned to get him, NHL fans will soon witness what scouts have been admiring for years.
How Toronto Maple Leafs could use Gavin McKenna
Despite having an 8.5% lottery chance, Toronto won the first overall pick, and their choice seems set.
Gavin McKenna and Toronto seem like a perfect fit. After playmaker Mitch Marner’s departure to Vegas, the Maple Leafs need a creative force, and McKenna can be the answer.
Toronto has witnessed a shift in management, with front-office overhauls and exits. New GM John Chayka will be expected to bolster the team and build on McKenna’s strengths.
With prolific scorers such as John Tavares already alongside him, Gavin McKenna’s vision and creativity could serve Toronto’s interests for a decade.
Read more at NHL Fan Central!
Written by
Sijo Paul
Edited by
Sijo Paul