Gavin McKenna Odds: NHL Draft First Overall Pick Odds 2026

Anticipation builds, like Gavin McKenna’s momentum at Penn State in his freshman season, now that we know the Toronto Maple Leafs possess the No. 1 pick in this year’s NHL Draft.

Will Toronto select McKenna, or can another player steal the spotlight? 

Let’s dive into the scenarios while providing McKenna’s odds to go No. 1, along with profiling the four other projected top picks. 

Will Gavin McKenna Be Selected First Overall? 

The overwhelming likelihood points to yes.

McKenna’s NHL betting odds of being selected first overall at the BetMGM online sportsbook are off the board.

The rest of the hockey odds for the field are off the board.

Round 1 NHL Draft Order 

Who Are the Projected Top 5 NHL Draft Picks?

These five players are widely considered the top five draft picks for the 2026 NHL draft, with McKenna inarguably at the top of the pile. 

Gavin McKenna, LW, Penn State University

After a slow start at Penn State University, McKenna lifted the roof off the building after the World Juniors and finished the season with 15 goals and 51 points in 35 games. 

He became the first Penn State player to win the Big Ten scoring title, notching 38 points in 24 conference games, and he set the record for most assists by a Nittany Lion (36) and most points for a freshman. 

Ivar Stenberg, LW, Frolunda

Probably a better all-rounder and more complete player than McKenna, at least at this stage of his career, Ivar Stenberg will be an asset to any team lucky enough to get their hands on him. 

He propelled Sweden to the gold medal at the World Juniors, has the second-best hockey sense behind McKenna for draft eligibles and is a top-tier setup man. 

Chase Reid, RHD, Soo Greyhounds, OHL

Is Reid the best blueliner available? Potentially, which is why he’ll be snatched up early. 

He’s 6-foot-2 and is as good defensively as he is in the attacking zone. An excellent skater, Reid also has the physicality to complement his top-tier agility. 

There’s even an outside chance Reid, who is joining Michigan State this season, will be selected first overall, although I don’t see it panning out that way. 

Keaton Verhoeff, RHD, University of North Dakota

Keanon Verhoeff, who has already played a full season in the NCAA, is still only 17. He made the jump to college hockey earlier than most, demonstrating confidence and courage. 

The only knock on the 6-foot-4 defenceman is his slightly slower top speed. However, he has time to improve that facet. Otherwise, he’s already being sold as the complete package, and he played like it at North Dakota in his freshman year.

NHL.com has him ranked as the second-best North American player entering the draft.

Carson Carels, LHD, (Prince George Cougars)

Carson Carels is among the best three defencemen in the draft. The 17-year-old has superb defensive awareness, and he’s built like a tank, fitted with an unsurpassed work ethic, thanks to working tirelessly on his family’s cattle farm in Manitoba. 

He’s also a technically gifted skater and could be the second defenceman selected. 

How Many Teams Have a Chance to Draft First Overall?

Eleven teams have a chance at selecting first overall, and teams can only win the draft lottery twice in a five-year span.

When Does the NHL Draft Lottery 2026 Take Place? 

The 2026 draft lottery occurs on May 5. 

When is the 2026 NHL Draft? 

The 2026 NHL draft takes place on June 26 and 27. 

What Year Did the NHL Draft Lottery Start?

The draft lottery began in 1995 but has undergone various changes. 

NHL Draft Lottery History