This week, Sam Cosentino presented his most recent rankings for the 2025 NHL Draft. This draft cycle is unpredictable, but Erie Otters defenceman Matthew Schaefer is considered a top prospect. Beyond Schaefer, many surprises are expected in June.
However, the 2026 draft class is expected to be more predictable at the top, with Medicine Hat Tigers forward Gavin McKenna as the consensus No. 1 pick. This highly talented player ranks second in WHL scoring with 37 goals and 84 assists, just behind Andrew Cristall of the Spokane Chiefs, who is a Washington Capitals prospect. McKenna has achieved 121 points in only 54 games.
Over the next year, McKenna’s prospect status will be compared to recent first overall picks Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini. One key difference is that McKenna is a winger, while Bedard and Celebrini are centres. NHL teams often prefer centres over wingers with similar potential, as centres can utilize the entire ice to impact the game.
McKenna, however, is a winger who excels at controlling pucks and finding open ice across all zones. He is consistently involved in the play and is considered the most talented prospect in his draft class.
Here’s a closer look at Gavin McKenna:
Scoring Prowess
McKenna is on a 38-game point streak, with 28 goals, 64 assists, and 92 points since November 6th. He averages 2.42 points per game during this streak and shows no signs of slowing down as the Tigers enter the playoffs as a top WHL team.
In his last 10 games, McKenna has scored 9 goals and 19 assists, averaging 22:04 of ice time in all situations. He has scored at even strength (four), on the power play (four), and shorthanded (one), with an impressive plus-16 rating in this period.
McKenna is very aggressive in shooting the puck. In the 10-game span, he attempted 105 shots, with 67 reaching the net, 14 blocked, and 24 missing the net. His shot map shows his offensive focus on the middle of the ice, with most scoring chances coming from the area between the circles.
Elusive Skills
Elite offensive players are known for their elusiveness and creativity. They draw pressure from opponents, evade checks, and create space for teammates.
In the following example, McKenna demonstrates this ability. Working from the half wall, he moves across the offensive zone and passes to a teammate. This sequence creates multiple offensive opportunities due to McKenna’s space-creating skills.
Quick Stick Handling
Offensive talents like McKenna possess exceptional hand-eye coordination, puck control, and anticipation, allowing them to read plays ahead of opponents.
The following clip highlights these skills. McKenna controls a mid-air puck, speeds up the ice, avoids contact, and quickly passes to Tanner Molendyk, a Nashville Predators prospect, who scores on the rush.
Motion and Movement
Opponents prioritize stopping McKenna’s offensive zone entries to prevent scoring chances. This can lead to defensive zone chaos. McKenna constantly seeks open space by moving after passing to teammates.
Here’s an example:
Defensive Aspects
Like any developing prospect, especially offensively gifted ones, McKenna needs to refine his defensive game. While not a liability, he sometimes loses defensive assignments.
In this clip, McKenna takes a defensive zone face-off after his centreman is removed from the face-off circle. He is tasked with winning the draw against Brayden Yager, a top Winnipeg Jets prospect.
Player Comparisons
Leading up to the next draft, McKenna will be frequently compared to Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini. With his regular season concluding this weekend, his impressive stats compare favorably to these previous first overall picks.
Below are stats for Bedard, Celebrini, and McKenna before their draft years. McKenna still has another season before draft eligibility, making his current stats comparable to Bedard’s 2021-22 season or Celebrini’s 2022-23 season:
Gavin McKenna
Connor Bedard
Macklin Celebrini
Future Trajectory
McKenna has played for Team Canada at the U17, U18, and U20 levels, alongside his impressive WHL career with Medicine Hat. By his draft year, he is expected to be ready for the NHL in 2026-27.
He projects as a top-line winger with the potential to impact the game similarly to Patrick Kane when he joined the Chicago Blackhawks. While their playing styles differ, McKenna’s potential is undeniable.
Scout Opinions
Feedback from scouts who evaluate players across North America and Europe:
- “Elite prospect. A special player. Very few prospects I have viewed in my career, at any level, think the game the way he does. His vision is elite. Some players slow the game down, while others speed it up, but he is a rare prospect who does both. He’s an effortless skater whose top end speed and lateral agility is deceiving. He processes the game at another level compared to his peer group.” — Western Conference NHL Amateur Scout.
- “McKenna is a dynamic, play driving, winger who makes everyone around him better. Turns pucks up ice quickly and challenges opponents in transition. Slippery. Hard to check. Shifty in small areas. His agility makes him elusive and difficult to contain. Creates off the rush and the cycle. Draws opponents to him which opens up space for his linemates. Top line upside at even strength and first power play unit all night long.” — Eastern Conference NHL Amateur Scout.
Tristan Blackwood