Maple Leafs Draft Gavin McKenna 1st Overall – Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs

With the first pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, the Toronto Maple Leafs selected Gavin McKenna from Penn State University of the NCAA.

About Gavin McKenna

Gavin McKenna has been on the roster for four seasons now, since entering the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Medicine Hat Tigers in 2022-23 at the age of 15. Moving from the WHL to the NCAA this season, he continued to respond with Penn State, recording 15 goals and 51 games.

McKenna’s play, vision, and overall offensive game should make him one of the best driving wing players in the NHL. While he struggled early in the season as he prepared for the NCAA’s top level, the way he finished and looked at the recently concluded NHL Combine should put any concerns to rest. He should be a star in this league at some point. Whether that will be one, two or three years from now remains to be seen, but it will get there eventually.

Excerpt from THW’s profile

“However, opinions have begun to diverge over the past few months as to whether McKenna is truly a next-generation genius alongside Bedard, or if he’s the next Shane Wright — a high-end talent who’s been overexposed in the relentless draft cycle. Surprisingly, the answer is somewhere in the middle, and his story is a good reminder that the score doesn’t always tell the full story.

“When he has the puck, McKenna is as powerful as they come. He has vision for this draft class; the way he can move the puck to a teammate or find passing lanes is unmatched. He anticipates the play, puts his passes where he knows someone is going to be there quickly, and can pull the puck and redirect it as his counter, few opponents can read up front. He knows exactly when to rotate and when to attack.

“Following behind are his puck skills. His trickery, intelligence, and patience are also among the best in his age group. While playing with the Medicine Hat Tigers in the Western Hockey League (WHL), he was a bully, repeatedly forcing a defender to one side before hitting him, leaving him confused and helpless as McKenna also opened the puck for his team to show his love. He pulled out a no-look pass, which he used liberally while setting the record. Penn State’s most points in one game with eight.”

Read on for the full player profile here.

How This Affects Map Leaf Programs

The Maple Leafs had long odds to secure the first pick and the right to select McKenna. But luck was on their side, and now they have a professional player on the wing who should help build the foundation for the future. The organization recently underwent a major overhaul, from the front office down to the head coach. With Auston Matthews’ future with the team in question, McKenna could soon be the face of the franchise.