Gavin McKenna Scouting Report: Why Maple Leafs Will Draft McKenna

The Toronto Maple Leafs are on the clock, and I have no doubt whose name will be called first on June 26.  

But why is Gavin McKenna the best player in the 2026 NHL Draft? What did scouts say about him, and does he have any concerning weaknesses?

What Makes Gavin McKenna the Best Player in the 2026 NHL Draft?

McKenna is the most skilled offensive player in the 2026 NHL Draft, according to pretty much every analyst and scout. 

His vision is arguably his best attribute, with the 18-year-old’s ability to foretell things that are about to happen unsurpassed. He makes everyone around him markedly better, and he can thread the needle better than anyone in the draft class. 

McKenna broke nine team records in his first season at Penn State, including most points and assists in a game. He scored eight points (one goal, seven assists) against Ohio State, shattering the previous record of five. 

That effort also eclipsed his best effort in the WHL, where he had seven points against the Red Deer Rebels. McKenna finished his first season of college action with 1.46 points per game, second in the NCAA, despite being a teenager playing against players seven years his elder. 

McKenna’s Impressive Adjustment to NCAA Hockey 

The speed at which he adapted to life in the faster, more physical NCAA is one of the most impressive aspects of his draft resume. After scoring 16 points (four goals, 12 assists) in the first 16 contests, McKena broke loose for 29 points (nine goals, 20 assists) in his final 15 games. 

Not only did he have the confidence and self-belief to make the significant jump to the NCAA, but he took every challenge in stride, overcoming early adversity and eventually excelling. 

There is no more daunting prospect for a teenager, regardless of calibre or potential, than facing opponents who are seven years older. Despite the size and strength disadvantage and a notable lack of experience, he averaged 1.93 points per game over the last 15. 

While he wasn’t among the three Hobey Baker Memorial Award finalists, McKenna made the initial top-10 list. 

What Scouts Said About McKenna 

Tim Campbell of Central Scouting said this about McKenna:

“Offensively, he’s a driver in all situations, producing 5-on-5 and having a clear impact on the power play. For me, he’s the top-rated draft pick in North America by a considerable margin.”

Here’s what Central Scouting associate director David Gregory said about the perceived No. 1 draft pick: 

“I think he exceeded expectations. Obviously it’s a big jump to the NCAA, especially when you consider college hockey is at its highest level ever … it’s the best I’ve seen in all my years scouting. 

There are no easy games or easy opponents this season. With Gavin you could see, early in the season, when he was on the power play and he had time and space, his elite hockey IQ, his ability to score and create chances for his teammates.”

Central Scouting’s senior Western scout John Williams said:

“I have no concerns about his 5-on-5 play, and I think those that have watched him a lot over the previous two seasons would feel the same. 

He’s not going to put himself in bad situations and he has the smarts to avoid them. He will adjust and adapt, and as he gets stronger, he’ll be that much better.”

Gavin McKenna’s Weaknesses  

McKenna’s stock falls when considering all facets, with Ivar Stenberg taking the plaudits for being the best all-around player in the draft class, and Caleb Malhotra touted as the best two-way centre. 

Some analysts consider McKenna to be, at best, slightly deficient in his own end, and at worst, defensively lazy.

However, McKenna’s marked improvements in the second half of last season at Penn State weren’t just reserved for his offensive play. He elevated his defensive engagement, finishing the season leading Penn State in creating turnovers. 

That’s arguably more important than his uptick in offensive production, as being a more well-rounded player could propel him into generational talent territory. 

Will McKenna Be Selected First Overall By the Toronto Maple Leafs? 

While McKenna’s draft odds are off the board at the BetMGM online sportsbook.

I believe he’s a shoo-in to be selected first, but I’m less sure about how the Leafs’ draft lottery win will impact Auston Matthews’ future. 

Suffice it to say, Matthews’ decision has become all the more complicated, as McKenna could become an even better setup man than Mitch Marner. 

That type of complementary asset might be the difference between perpetual disappointment and finally ending the Maple Leafs’ Stanley Cup drought. 

I won’t get too far ahead of myself, though, as that dream scenario still more closely resembles fantasy.

When Is the 2026 NHL Draft? 

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