In a recent article, I explored how young stars are reshaping professional hockey. Yet one name deserves a spotlight of its own, a player many believe could define the league’s next era: Gavin McKenna.
Gavin McKenna is the projected first overall pick in this summer's draft. The 18-year-old from Whitehorse, Canada, has exploded onto the scene in recent years. McKenna first came onto the scene when he made his Western Hockey League debut in September 2022 as a 14-year-old. That season, the young McKenna had 16 points in just 14 games played.
Expectations only grew as McKenna entered the 2023–2024 season, but he did not just meet them; he shattered them. At just 16 years old, he recorded 97 points in 61 games, which established him as the next WHL superstar. McKenna would then enter his age-17 season in 2024–2025, and he did not disappoint, leading his team to a WHL championship. McKenna didn’t just lead his team to the championship; he also won WHL Player of the Year with a 129-point season. In the Tigers' run to a championship, McKenna had 38 points in just 16 games. When you think he did all this before turning the age of 18, it's crazy.
In July 2025, McKenna took his talents to Penn State live on ESPN. McKenna said that he received an NIL deal that was in the ballpark of $700,000. McKenna was heading to Happy Valley to play Division I hockey for one season before his first year of draft eligibility. McKenna was coming to Penn State after they made a Frozen Four appearance the year prior. McKenna came to State College carrying a ton of hype around him, and he surely did not disappoint anyone, having 51 points in 34 games. He led Penn State to the NCAA Tournament and is a Hobey Baker Award finalist.
McKenna has been hyped up for years as a franchise-changing prospect. He has even been compared to some of the great talents in today’s game, which includes Nikita Kucherov and Mitch Marner. McKenna has been compared to these NHL All-Stars due to his elite vision on the ice and his deception when he has the puck. McKenna has a great playmaking ability, which mirrors the way Kucherov plays.
If McKenna lives up to the hype, he can end up being one of the greatest hockey players this world has ever seen. McKenna is the most hyped-up prospect since Connor Bedard in 2023 and Connor McDavid in 2015. He does have some similar traits to them as well, like his smooth skating ability and his ability to playmake for his teammates.
The NHL Lottery will decide which team will land one of the most coveted prospects in the draft. The lottery will take place on May 5, and multiple teams would love to land a talent like McKenna in the draft. The Canucks, as of right now, are the favorites to get the first overall pick, with the Rangers and Blackhawks following. McKenna, as a youngster, according to Sportsnet, grew up a Blackhawks fan and fell in love with watching Patrick Kane, even though most of his family were Canucks fans.
McKenna represents more than just another top draft prospect. As the National Hockey League continues to get younger and faster, players who play with more creativity and an elite playmaking ability have become the building block of a franchise. Teams are not waiting years for prospects to develop; they expect immediate impact. McKenna’s skill set gives him the chance to step into the league right away and be a key contributor, continuing the trend of young stars reshaping the modern-day NHL.
