McKenna, top prospect for 2026 NHL Draft, taking patient approach

Last season, the forward was named Rookie of the Year in both the CHL and WHL while playing for Medicine Hat.

CALGARY — Gavin McKenna is currently the front-runner to be the top pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, but the 16-year-old forward isn’t in any rush to get there just yet.

Last season’s Canadian Hockey League Rookie of the Year, McKenna, is adopting a calm and patient attitude as he faces a nearly two-year wait.

“I consider myself fortunate to have another year before being drafted,” McKenna expressed to NHL.com. “It’s crucial that I seize this opportunity and give it my all each day, not becoming complacent because of the extra time, but ensuring I’m consistently putting in the effort so I’m prepared when the time comes.”

It’s clear why the left wing from Whitehorse, Yukon has been the talk of the hockey world. McKenna, who stands at 5-foot-11 and weighs 160 pounds, amassed 97 points – 34 goals and 63 assists – in 61 games for the Western Hockey League’s Medicine Hat team during the 2023-24 season.

He also had 20 points (10 goals, 10 assists) in seven games at the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship — the most productive tournament ever by a 16-year-old skater, and the third-most points in a single tournament regardless of age behind top 2025 draft prospect James Hagens (22 points, 2024) and Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov (21 points, 2011).

“McKenna is a slippery player,” commented Matthew Schaefer, a top candidate for the 2025 draft. Schaefer, who has had the experience of teaming up with McKenna in both U18 World Championship and the forthcoming 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Edmonton from August 5-10, further added, “His agility and hand-eye coordination are exceptional. If you lose focus on the puck, he’ll take advantage. He’s an outstanding player and extremely unpredictable. You can never anticipate his next move.”

Schaefer’s claim is supported by the laurels he has received throughout his short career. These include the Jim Piggott Trophy, which he won as the WHL Rookie of the Year in 2023-24, and being named the Canadian Sport School Hockey League (CSSHL) most valuable player in 2022-23.

However, McKenna, who describes himself as a “shifty playmaker with a penchant for speed,” is not going to let the attention and speculation go to his head.

“McKenna expressed, “I believe my parents did an excellent job in raising me. They taught me how to steer clear of negativity. When you are in the rink, immersed in the sport you love, all the distractions naturally fade away. It’s not something you consciously think about; you simply play. Of course, avoiding negativity online can be challenging, but the key is to focus on yourself and not let it affect you.”

That doesn’t mean it wouldn’t be significant for McKenna to join the likes of Connor Bedard and Connor McDavid as No. 1 picks, however.

It remains an opportunity he relishes.

“Reaching that goal would be fantastic,” McKenna stated. “This is something I’ve been aiming for my entire life, so if the chance arises, my family and I would be immensely proud. It would be a remarkable moment for both my family and me, signifying that I’m one step closer to my goal and that I’ve accomplished what I set out to do. It would be truly incredible.”

McKenna, the No. 1 pick in the 2022 Bantam Draft, has that as her long-term goal.

Before that, there are several short-term objectives to achieve, including winning a gold medal at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. He was among the 22 skaters chosen to represent Canada on Tuesday.

He would also include another appearance with Canada, this time at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship in Ottawa, which runs from Dec. 26-Jan. 5, on his list.

“Playing in the World Juniors and representing my country is a goal of mine,” said McKenna. “It’s a lifelong dream. If it comes true, it will be a huge deal for me and it will motivate me throughout the year.”

His checklist would be nearly complete with a WHL championship in the spring, too.

Perhaps after that, McKenna will finally focus on the 2026 draft.

“Maintaining your calm, blocking out distractions and avoiding unnecessary complications is crucial, because they don’t ultimately matter,” advised McKenna. “What truly counts is your effort level and where you end up being drafted when the time comes. Focus on self-improvement and strive daily to enhance your skills.”