Gavin McKenna, a 16-year-old forward, is making a compelling argument for the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft after an impressive year filled with points and gold medals. His recent achievement at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, an Under-18 international event, further solidifies his rising status in the hockey world.
During the tournament, held in August, McKenna showcased his skills by registering three goals and six points across five games, contributing to Canada’s gold medal victory for the third consecutive year. The native of Whitehorse, Yukon, is aware of the increasing attention he is receiving but remains focused on his performance.
“When you’re out there, you don’t really focus on that,” McKenna stated, according to NHL.com’s Derek Van Diest. “Maybe outside of (the Hlinka Gretzky Cup), it might get to you a little bit that people are watching you, but you just have to focus on where you’re at, where your feet are, and keep moving forward.”
McKenna’s latest gold medal win at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup follows his previous success at the 2024 Under-18 World Championship in May, where he led all players with 10 goals in seven games and set a Canadian record for the most points in a single tournament, amassing 20 points. This record surpassed the previous mark of 15 points held by Tyson Jost and 2024 first overall pick Macklin Celebrini. McKenna also scored a hat trick in the championship game against the United States.
In addition to his international success, McKenna had a standout rookie season with the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers, finishing second among all first-year players with 34 goals and 97 points in 61 games. He trailed only Terik Parascak, who was selected 17th overall by the Washington Capitals in the 2024 NHL Draft and is a year-and-a-half older than McKenna.
Before turning 16 on December 20, McKenna had already accumulated 32 points in 26 games. His performance earned him the Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy as the WHL’s best first-year player and the CHL Rookie of the Year Award.
Looking ahead, McKenna is setting his sights on securing a spot on Canada’s roster for the 2025 World Junior Championship.
“That would be a goal for sure to play for the country again,” he expressed. “It’s always been a dream of mine, so I’ll have that in the back of my mind all year and have that come true potentially. It’s definitely motivating, and I’m going to be working my hardest until that time.”
