Is Gavin McKenna The 2026 NHL Draft No. 1 Pick? What To Know
Is Gavin McKenna The 2026 NHL Draft No. 1 Pick? What To Know
Gavin McKenna is the projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft—here’s what to know about his WHL rise, U18 dominance, and Bedard comparisons.
As the dust settles from the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft, attention now shifts to the potential top pick of the 2026 class—and one name already stands out: Gavin McKenna.
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A dynamic forward playing for the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers, McKenna has emerged as a surefire No. 1 overall pick in 2026 thanks to his strong production and international performances.
Though a tad outdated as the player has massively improved, a year ago FloHockey expert Chris Peters wrote this in McKenna's scouting report.
"With the puck on his stick, he is lethal. McKenna can turn nothing plays into something thanks to elite-level hockey sense and an understanding of how to get pucks into high-percentage areas whether it’s with his passing or by taking it himself.
His hand skills are already at a level above his peers. With a quick release on his shot and purity in his touch on the puck, he can manipulate defenders and goalies with subtlety and speed."
Here’s what you need to know about Gavin McKenna.
Strong Production In The WHL
McKenna first joined the WHL as a 15-year-old and has since rewritten expectations. In three seasons with Medicine Hat, he’s amassed:
- 244 points (79 goals, 165 assists) in 133 games
- Career average: 1.84 points per game
His 2024–25 campaign was a breakout, finishing with 129 points in 56 games, including a 51-game point streak—matching the longest in the CHL since 2000.
Standout Performance At 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship
McKenna played a leading role in Canada’s gold-medal run at the 2024 IIHF Men’s U18 World Championship, putting up 20 points in 7 games—the highest single-tournament point total by a Canadian ever.
He saved his best for the final, scoring a hat trick and adding an assist in a dramatic comeback win against Team USA.
Connor Bedard Vs. Gavin McKenna
Gavin McKenna’s rapid rise in junior hockey has naturally sparked comparisons to Connor Bedard, the 2023 NHL Draft’s first overall pick. While Bedard is widely known as a pure goal-scorer, McKenna differentiates himself as more of a two-way threat and playmaker.
Best WHL Season to Date
- Connor Bedard (2022–23, Regina Pats): 62 GP, 143 Pts (71 G, 72 A), 2.31 PPG
- Gavin McKenna (2024–25, Medicine Hat Tigers): 56 GP, 129 Pts (46 G, 83 A), 2.30 PPG
Career WHL Totals (as of June 2025)
- Connor Bedard: 134 GP, 271 Pts, 2.02 PPG
- Gavin McKenna: 133 GP, 244 Pts, 1.84 PPG
IIHF U18 World Championship Performance
- Connor Bedard (2021): 7 GP, 14 Pts, 2.00 PPG
- Gavin McKenna (2024): 7 GP, 20 Pts, 2.86 PPG
McKenna Could Change the Prospect Landscape
With new NCAA eligibility rules allowing CHL players to compete in Division I hockey, McKenna could play college hockey—something previously off-limits to WHL players.
While he hasn't indicated any intent to leave Medicine Hat, he could become the most high-profile recruit in NCAA history if he tests those waters.
If McKenna does choose to go to college, it could alter the route of future prospects who previously would've opted for the NHL Draft or minor league path.
Which Teams Could Land The 2026 NHL Draft No. 1 Pick?
As of June 2025, FanDuel Sportsbook’s odds for the 2026 Stanley Cup offer clues about teams likely to land a top lottery pick:
- Chicago Blackhawks — +50000
- San Jose Sharks — +50000
- Pittsburgh Penguins — +28000
- Seattle Kraken — +26000
- Buffalo Sabres — +14000
- Boston Bruins — +11000
- Anaheim Ducks — +10000
- Montreal Canadiens — +10000
- Detroit Red Wings — +10000
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