Gavin McKenna’s Drive Toward Greatness in the 2026 NHL Draft
So let me walk you through what’s happening with Gavin McKenna right now, because his journey toward the 2026 NHL Draft is turning into one of the most compelling stories in hockey. At just 17 years old, this kid from Whitehorse, Yukon, is already being talked about as the projected No. 1 pick, and honestly, it’s not hard to see why.
Gavin’s first season at Penn State has been a real test. College hockey in the Big Ten isn’t exactly gentle on freshmen—every game feels like a Game 7, high energy, high speed, and absolutely no room to breathe. Even he admits that the transition has been tough at times. But despite that, he’s still producing: 18 points in 16 games, with four goals and 14 assists. And the thing is, the chances are there. You can tell he’s adapting, settling in, and getting more comfortable with each shift.
What stands out is how much responsibility he’s already carrying. Coach Guy Gadowsky has him playing in every situation—5-on-5, power play, penalty kill, even 6-on-5 when they’re holding a lead late. For a freshman, that’s a massive vote of confidence. And Gavin talks about it not like it’s pressure, but like it’s fuel. He wants bigger numbers in the second half of the season, but you can tell the growth he’s getting from these minutes is what he values most.
Also Read:One area he’s clearly proud of is his board play. He feels strong along the walls, spinning off defenders, using that first step to find space in the middle of the ice. And recently, he’s added more physicality to his game. He mentioned that rough 7-1 loss to Michigan—they came back the next night and won 4-2, and he thinks throwing a few hits to fire up the bench might have helped shift the energy. Even though he isn’t known for being overly physical, he’s willing to do whatever the team needs.
He also made a point to highlight two teammates he believes deserve more credit: captain Dane Dowiak, who leads with his work ethic and willingness to get into the tough areas, and freshman Lev Katzin, tasked with shutting down opposing top lines night after night. Gavin notices the little things guys do that don’t always show up on the scoresheet, and that says a lot about him.
There was a softer, personal moment too—he got to go home over Thanksgiving. Bonfires, Ski-Doo rides, family dinners… it sounded like a much-needed mental reset for someone carrying so much on his shoulders.
Now his focus shifts to Canada’s World Junior selection camp. If he makes the team—and let’s be real, it’s hard to imagine he doesn’t—he’ll step away from Penn State for a few weeks, but representing Canada is something he calls a huge deal. World Juniors during Christmas? In Canada? That’s sacred.
Gavin’s hoping to bring home a gold medal, keep climbing in his freshman season, and continue proving why he’s the name everyone keeps circling for the 2026 Draft. And honestly, based on everything he’s showing right now, the hype feels completely deserved.
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