Gavin McKenna is projected as the No. 1 overall pick [1] in the 2026 NHL Draft [5] scheduled for later this week.
The selection would mark a historic milestone for collegiate athletics, as McKenna is the first men's ice-hockey player from Penn State ever chosen in the first round of the NHL Draft [4].
A forward for Penn State, McKenna has risen to the top of the scouting boards. He is ranked No. 1 [2] among North American skaters in the final rankings released by NHL Central Scouting. While he is widely expected to be selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs [3], some reports suggest Swedish forward Ivar Stenberg could potentially be selected ahead of him.
McKenna has spent recent months preparing for the transition to professional hockey. He has focused on handling the pressure of the spotlight and the tough questions that accompany the status of a top prospect. His journey to the projected top spot has been documented in a new film that tracks his progression toward the professional ranks.
Beyond his on-ice performance, McKenna has credited his personal drive to his heritage. He said he draws significant inspiration from his family's Indigenous roots as he prepares for the demands of the league.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are positioned to take the first pick, which would allow them to add a high-scoring forward to their roster. McKenna's ascent from the college game to the top of the draft board highlights a shifting trend in how NHL teams value NCAA talent over traditional junior leagues.
“McKenna is the first men's ice-hockey player from Penn State ever chosen in the first round of the NHL Draft.”
McKenna's projected status as the top pick reflects a growing trend of NHL franchises prioritizing the maturity and physical development of college players. If the Toronto Maple Leafs select him first overall, it signals a strategic move to integrate a high-ceiling North American talent who possesses a strong cultural identity and mental readiness for the professional spotlight.
