Gavin McKenna’s 2026 Draft Journey Takes a New Turn
Right now, when people talk about the 2026 NHL Draft, Gavin McKenna’s name is still front and center, but the conversation around him has clearly shifted. For much of the early buildup, McKenna had been viewed as the likely No. 1 overall pick, a player with game-breaking skill and elite offensive creativity. However, as this season has unfolded, the picture has become more complicated, and that’s where things get interesting.
McKenna has been competing at the NCAA level with Penn State, and his raw talent is still impossible to ignore. His puck skills, vision, and ability to create chances at full speed continue to stand out every time he touches the ice. He is widely seen as a pass-first winger who can control a power play and elevate teammates around him. That reputation hasn’t gone away. What has changed is the context around him, as other prospects have surged and forced scouts to rethink the top of the draft board.
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In the latest December rankings from Corey Pronman, McKenna was moved down to No. 4 overall. That doesn’t reflect a collapse in his play, but rather how competitive this draft class has become at the very top. Tynan Lawrence’s explosive return from injury in the USHL, along with the steady rise of players like Keaton Verhoeff and Ivar Stenberg, has reshaped the conversation. As a result, McKenna is no longer standing alone at the peak of the class.
There are still only minor questions in McKenna’s game. His play away from the puck and his physical engagement are areas that scouts continue to monitor, but his effort level has generally been seen as good enough, especially given his role as a creative driver rather than a bruiser. His skating remains a major asset, allowing him to generate offense with pace and imagination, and his ability to see plays develop before they happen is still considered elite.
So while Gavin McKenna may have slipped a few spots in the latest rankings, the bigger story is that his journey is far from settled. He remains one of the most exciting talents in the 2026 NHL Draft, and the next few months will play a huge role in defining where he ultimately lands.
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