LW- Gavin McKenna, Penn State (NCAA)
6’0” 165 lbs
Early Days
Birthplace: Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada (December 20, 2007). He is the first Yukon-born player to be drafted first overall in the WHL Bantam Draft and is a proud member of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation.
Minor Hockey Path:
Started in Whitehorse MHA, where his father built an outdoor rink for him to practice.
Played prep hockey at South Alberta Hockey Academy, recording 75 points in 26 games before entering major junior.
Represented Team Yukon at the Canada Winter Games and later starred for Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and IIHF U18 Worlds, setting a Canadian record with 20 points in a single U18 tournament.
Junior Career (WHL)
Drafted 1st overall in 2022 WHL Bantam Draft by Medicine Hat Tigers.
2022–23: 16 GP, 4 G, 14 A, 18 PTS.
2023–24: 61 GP, 34 G, 63 A, 97 PTS. Won WHL Rookie of the Year and CHL Rookie of the Year.
2024–25: 56 GP, 41 G, 88 A, 129 PTS (+60 rating). Led Tigers to WHL Championship and Memorial Cup Final. Recorded 38 playoff points in 16 games.
Career WHL totals: 133 GP, 79 G, 165 A, 244 PTS.
Penn State (NCAA)
Freshman season (2025–26):
16 GP, 4 G, 14 A, 18 PTS, 2 PPG, -5 rating, 59 shots.
Heavy reliance on power play: 60% of points with man advantage.
Currently ranks 4th on team in scoring; notable for elite playmaking despite adjustment struggles.
International Play
Hlinka Gretzky Cup (2023):
Represented Canada U18 as an underage player.
Posted 5 GP, 2 G, 3 A, 5 PTS, showcasing elite vision and confidence against older competition.
IIHF U18 World Championship (2024):
Set a Canadian record with 20 points (10 G, 10 A) in 7 games, surpassing Connor Bedard’s previous mark.
Led Canada to a gold medal, earning tournament MVP honors.
World Junior Championship (Projected 2025):
Expected to play a top-six role for Canada as a draft-eligible forward, bringing dynamic offense and power-play impact.
Scouting Section
Positives
Elite Playmaking Vision: Sets up scoring chances at a historic rate; deceptive and precise passing.
Dynamic Skating: Explosive first steps, fluid edgework, and strong agility allow him to create space.
Offensive IQ: Processes the game two steps ahead; manipulates defenders with subtle fakes.
Shot Volume & Creativity: Aggressive shooter with ability to attack middle ice; dual-threat scorer and passer.
Big-Game Pedigree: Dominated WHL playoffs and international tournaments; thrives under pressure.
Negatives
Defensive Engagement: Coasts on backchecks; inconsistent forecheck effort.
Physicality Concerns: Struggles against bigger NCAA opponents; needs added strength.
Power-Play Reliance: Over 50% of production comes with man advantage; must improve 5-on-5 impact.
Perimeter Tendencies: Occasionally avoids high-traffic areas, limiting scoring chances at even strength.
Pro Comparison
Nikita Kucherov (Tampa Bay Lightning): Similar cerebral playmaking, deceptive puck skills, and ability to control pace. Projects as a top-line winger with superstar upside if he rounds out his defensive game.
Sportsvival View
Sportsvival projects Gavin McKenna as the #1 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft because:
His offensive toolkit is unmatched in this class—elite vision, creativity, and skating mechanics.
Despite NCAA growing pains, his WHL dominance and international resume prove he can elevate in big moments.
NHL teams covet dynamic play-drivers, and McKenna’s ceiling as a franchise cornerstone outweighs current concerns.
Comparable prospects (Bedard, Celebrini) faced similar scrutiny but translated elite skill to the NHL; McKenna fits that mold.
(photo courtesy of Nittany Lions Wire)