Gavin McKenna
Gavin McKenna is a Canadian ice hockey forward from Whitehorse, Yukon.
Gavin McKenna is a Canadian ice hockey forward from Whitehorse, Yukon. He was selected first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft.
Background and early career
Born December 20, 2007, in Whitehorse, Yukon, McKenna is a member of the Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin First Nation. He played major junior hockey with the Medicine Hat Tigers of the WHL, where he won the 2024–25 CHL Player of the Year award after leading the league in scoring.
NCAA and 2026 NHL Draft
McKenna moved to Penn State for the 2025–26 NCAA season, taking advantage of recent eligibility changes for CHL players. He recorded 51 points in 35 games and was widely projected as the top prospect, leading to his selection first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft.
International play
McKenna has represented Canada at multiple events, including the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship, the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship. His performances have reinforced his status as a top Canadian prospect.
In short
- First overall pick by Toronto Maple Leafs in 2026.
- From Whitehorse, Yukon, member of Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin First Nation.
- Won CHL Player of the Year in 2024–25.
- Played for Penn State and Medicine Hat Tigers.
McKenna is a prominent Canadian hockey prospect from Whitehorse, Yukon, and his rise has drawn attention in the North and across Canada.
Quick questions
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Sources
- NHL.com / Toronto Maple Leafs — https://www.nhl.com/mapleleafs/news/maple-leafs-sign-forward-gavin-mckenna-to-entry-level-contractSupports: Draft position, team, 2025–26 Penn State stats, WHL totals, and international representation.
- NHL.com — https://www.nhl.com/news/2026-nhl-draft-diary-gavin-mckenna-december-5-2025Supports: Birthplace, age at the time of publication, draft projection, and Penn State/WHL scoring context.
- NCAA.com — https://www.ncaa.com/news/icehockey-men/article/2026-06-25/gavin-mckenna-goes-no-1-overall-2026-nhl-draft-sixth-ever-ncaa-top-pickSupports: Penn State records, freshman scoring achievements, and 2026 draft selection.
- CBC Sports — https://www.cbc.ca/sports/longform/features/how-the-yukon-shaped-top-nhl-draft-prospect-gavin-mckennaSupports: Whitehorse/Yukon background and First Nation affiliation.
- Elite Prospects — https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/576982/gavin-mckennaSupports: Date of birth, age, birthplace, position, height, weight, and shooting hand.